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Contract Lunar Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... The Role Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... The Role Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and ...

Astrolab

Sr. Buyer

Hawthorne, CA

We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on - rovers ... Perform supplier sourcing, RFx management, contract negotiations, and should-cost analyses to ...

Astrolab

Sr. Buyer

Hawthorne, CA

$105K - $136K/yr

We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on -- rovers ... Perform supplier sourcing, RFx management, contract negotiations, and should-cost analyses to ...

Astrolab

Sr. Buyer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$105K - $136K/yr

We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on - rovers ... Perform supplier sourcing, RFx management, contract negotiations, and should-cost analyses to ...

K2 Space

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... The Role Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and ...

K2 Space

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$175K - $200K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... The Role Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and ...

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All JobsContract Lunar Design Jobs

Contract Lunar Design information

See salary details

$75.5K

$128.3K

$188K

How much do contract lunar design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract lunar design in the United States is $128,257.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract lunar designers when working with multidisciplinary teams on space missions?

Contract lunar designers often collaborate with engineers, scientists, and mission planners, which can present challenges in aligning design concepts with technical requirements and mission objectives. Communication is key, as design choices must meet strict safety, material, and regulatory standards unique to lunar environments. Balancing creative innovation with the pragmatic constraints of space missions can be demanding, but it also offers opportunities to develop unique solutions and contribute to groundbreaking projects. Staying adaptable and open to feedback is essential for success in this dynamic and collaborative role.

What is a contract lunar designer?

A Contract Lunar Designer is a professional who creates and develops designs for projects related to lunar exploration or habitation, typically on a contract or freelance basis. Their work may involve designing habitats, vehicles, equipment, or mission layouts intended for use on the Moon. They collaborate with engineers, scientists, and space agencies to ensure that their designs are feasible, safe, and meet specific mission requirements. Contract Lunar Designers need a strong background in engineering, architecture, or industrial design, along with specialized knowledge of space environments. This role is critical in advancing lunar missions and ensuring the success of future human and robotic activities on the Moon.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract lunar designer?

To thrive as a Contract Lunar Designer, you need expertise in aerospace engineering, planetary science, and architectural design, often supported by a relevant engineering or architecture degree. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and simulation platforms, as well as knowledge of lunar environment standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and project management skills help distinguish top candidates in this role. These abilities are crucial for developing safe, innovative, and feasible solutions for lunar habitats and infrastructure in challenging extraterrestrial environments.

What is the difference between Contract Lunar Design vs Contract Spacecraft Design?

AspectContract Lunar DesignContract Spacecraft Design
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized in lunar environmentsEngineering degree, specialized in spacecraft systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning for lunar surface conditions, collaboration with lunar missionsDesigning for spaceflight, collaboration with satellite and spacecraft projects
Industry UsageSpace agencies, lunar exploration companiesSpace agencies, satellite and space vehicle manufacturers
Common Search IntentComparing roles in lunar missionsComparing roles in spacecraft development

Contract Lunar Design focuses on creating systems and components suitable for lunar surface conditions, often involving specialized knowledge of lunar geology and environment. Contract Spacecraft Design covers a broader range of space vehicles, including satellites and deep-space probes. While both roles require aerospace engineering credentials and work within the space industry, their specific focus areas differ, making each role unique in its application and expertise.

More about Contract Lunar Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Lunar Design jobs? Cities with the most Contract Lunar Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lunar Design jobs? The most popular types of Lunar Design jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Lunar Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Lunar Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Lunar Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Lunar Design jobs are:
Contract Lunar Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Lunar Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,257 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

Senior Solar Design Engineer

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others – with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers – we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.

With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we'd love for you to apply.

The Role

Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space are the solar arrays. Scaling to constellations requires engineers who can span technical domains from module technology and electrical power system interactions to soft goods, deployment mechanisms, structures, integration, and high-rate production.

You will drive the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of high-power solar arrays at production scale. The development timelines, operating environments, mission lifetimes, and cost targets we are pursuing demand meaningful innovation — you will tackle these challenges with the full resources and support of K2.

Responsibilities

  • Design and deliver solar array electrical and mechanical subsystems, contributing to system architecture and lifecycle performance margin analysis
  • Develop and maintain electrical performance degradation models across environment variations including radiation, thermal cycling, and UV exposure
  • Define and execute assembly-level acceptance and qualification test procedures
  • Collaborate with avionics, structures/mechanisms, software, and production teams on solar system requirements, integrated qualification/acceptance testing, and on-orbit data review
  • Support design reviews, own subsystem deliverables, and maintain accurate development schedules out to 9+ months
  • Drive manufacturing processes for in-house fabrication and assembly, including evaluation of manufacturing equipment, development of work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line testing
  • Work with the production team to develop factory layouts and processes that enable high-rate solar array builds

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of experience in the design, manufacture, and test of solar arrays for space applications

Nice to Have

  • Experience with solar array system development for space applications, including requirements definition, design, development testing, manufacturing, and qualification
  • Background working across multiple solar array architectures with variations in cell, module, and system technologies for high-power, long-life applications
  • Familiarity with AIAA S111/S112, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5017, and NASA-STD-4005 for the design and qualification of solar modules, moving mechanism assemblies, and spacecraft charging effects
  • Experience designing solar arrays for resilience to radiation environments
  • Understanding of structural analysis and failure modes for complex mechanical systems in space environments
  • Understanding of high-voltage solar array degradation analysis and failure modes
  • Independent and self-motivated mindset with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills across disciplines

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000 + equity in the company
  • Salary and level will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

View All K2 Space Jobs