Payload Engineering Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Role 

As a Principal Mission Payload Engineer within National Security Programs, you'll serve as the primary technical interface between K2 Space, customers, and partners as we integrate advanced payload capabilities onto K2's satellite bus platform. You'll support the entire program lifecycle - from early proposal phases through spacecraft design, development, integration, test, and on-orbit operations.   

In this role, you will work closely with Program Managers and key engineering disciplines to define and negotiate payload interfaces (mechanical, data and software, power, mission, etc.) and develop integration and test plans that ensure successful mission execution.  You will also represent K2 Space in critical customer engagements, design reviews, and verification milestones.  

A Principal Mission Payload Engineer, you will apply yourself to shaping the way that Mission Payload Engineering does business both internally and externally. 

The ideal candidate has strong multi-disciplinary engineering skills, hands-on experience, and excellent communication abilities to effectively collaborate with National Security customers and stakeholders.       

Responsibilities  

• Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle.  Support initial proposals, design, development, integration, testing, launch and on-orbit commissioning.   
• Serve as the primary customer interface for payload integration.  Lead technical discussions, represent K2 Space in design reviews, and ensure customer requirements are understood and met.  
• Development, maintain, and negotiate payload interface control documentation. Define mechanical, electrical, software, power, and mission interfaces, ensuring clear technical alignment between payload and bus teams.  
• Create and execute payload interface verification and validation plans.  Develop testing strategies to ensure compliance with mission and interface requirements, and oversee final sell-off with internal and external stakeholders.    
• Coordinate cross-functional integration efforts.  Work closely with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams to ensure seamless payload integration. 
• Assist in training new team members. 
• Develop common process workflows and tools to make an efficient operation.  

Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.  
• 5+ years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.  
• 2+ years of technical project management and/or systems engineering experience.  
• Hands-on experience with developing, integrating and testing launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems.  
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, software, and power interfaces for satellite payloads.   

Nice to Have  

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline.  
• Experience working directly with National Security customers.  
• 10+ years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.  
• Hands-on spacecraft or aerospace integration and test experience, including environmental testing, verification and troubleshooting.   
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and deliver results across multiple parallel priorities.  
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work collaboratively in high-performing teams.  
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance preferred; willing to pursue and maintain a clearance if not already cleared.  

Compensation and Benefits:  

• Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $230,000 + equity in the company  
• Salary 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