Mission Operations Engineering Intern

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion 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 in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward 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 high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.

The Role 

We're looking for a stellar Mission Operations Engineering Intern to join our team for a 3-month internship. You'll join the Mission Ops Engineering team to be hands-on with real spacecraft – executing integrated test campaigns, mastering the satellite bus, and working with world-class RE teams to validate system health and fly on-orbit satellites.  

Responsibilities 

• Support test procedures (manual and automated) used to confirm spacecraft hardware and software flight worthiness   

• Take part in high-visibility integration campaigns for development and flight hardware   

• Operate spacecraft (interpret telemetry, send commands) during system tests at the factory, test facilities, launch sites, and during pre-launch operations and space operations   

• Identify and elevate off-nominal conditions during test, and drive issues to resolution by engaging with the wider engineering team   

• Clearly communicate status, needs, and risks to the entire K2 Space team (and payload providers) during high-intensity operations   

• Assess risks associated with different integration, test, and flight approaches, and clearly communicate mitigations and trade-offs 

Qualifications 

• Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline 

• 6+ months experience of technical engineering skills outside of the university setting classroom (eg: laboratory, research, extracurricular project teams, volunteering, personal projects or prior internship/work experience) 

Additional Requirements 

• Available for a minimum 12-week internship in person at our HQ in Torrance 

Nice to Have 

• Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers 

• Experience testing and troubleshooting spacecraft and their related components and systems, including subsystem checkouts and system acceptance testing 

• Familiarity with mission operations concepts such as LEOP, telemetry, commanding, fault protection, and anomaly resolution   

• Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment   

• Experience operating vehicles in a mission or production setting   

• Hands-on experience with HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds 

• Experience or exposure in a test or automation role  

• Experience in Python and/or Rust  

• Experience with Linux systems 

Compensation 

• Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $30 - $40 per hour  

• Hourly rate will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level 

• Housing and travel stipend may also be available 

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.