Welder and Fabrication Technician

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

You will be responsible for helping set up, operate, and optimize K2 Space's development shop. This pivotal role will support development projects which will inform the design of our Mega Class satellite. You will work closely with engineering teams and operations management to fabricate tooling and ground support equipment. You will be highly motivated, detail oriented, and execute at the highest level.

Responsibilities
• Support the establishment of the K2 Space Development shop, including the selection and initial set up of equipment
• Perform Class A weld quality, including TIG, MIG, and other specialized welding processes
• Process sheet metal utilizing water jet cutting, and various other machine tools
• Operate a wide variety of fabrication equipment (CNC press brake, shear roller, mill, lathe, horizontal and vertical bandsaw, and sanding equipment)
• Troubleshoot issues with equipment and perform preventative maintenance
• Identify and self-start projects that improve the overall program success and progress
• Inspect finished products to ensure they meet the highest quality standards
• Communicate with engineering teams and leadership for general alignment, capability, and support prioritization
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment in compliance with EH&S standards
• Consistently provide process improvement ideas and design feedback to improve manufacturability

Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience with Class A TIG/MIG welding and thin sheet metal
• 5+ years of experience with sheet metal fabrication and forming experience
• Strong proficiency in GD&T tolerances and technical drawing interpretation

Nice to Have
• Experience working in a space hardware development program
• Experience working in a high-pace development environment with ability to adapt to short production schedules
• Operate with a high sense of urgency, with strong attention to detail and strong communication skills

Additional Requirements
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as bending or twisting, grasping, standing, lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, and use hands to operate tools or machine controls
• Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

Compensation and Benefits:
• Hourly rate range for this non-exempt role is $30 – $42 + equity in the company
• Compensation 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.