Spacecraft Fluids & Pumps Engineering Technician

Responsibilities

• Assemble precision turbopumps and fluid loop mechanisms (rotating assemblies, bearings, seals, valves, accumulators) hardware to engineering drawings, BOMs, and work instructions
• Build, operate, and maintain development flow loops and test stands, including plumbing, instrumentation, and dataacquisition
• Install and check out pressure transducers, temperature sensors, and flow meters
• Fabricate, bend, fit, and install precision tubing and fluid lines; perform orbital welding and fitting operations to required standards
• Execute hydraulic performance, leak, flow, and proof pressure tests
• Perform fluid loop cleaning, flushing, vacuum evacuation, and working fluid fill/charge per released procedures
• Install pump motors, motorized/solenoid valves, and sensors, including harness routing, connector mating, and termination
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, test, quality, and design engineering to resolve hardware issues in real time
• Follow detailed work instructions and manufacturing procedures, performing all work in the MES (scanning, material consumption, and as-built traceability)
• Practice 5S principles of organizing and sustaining an efficient and presentable workspace
• Provide consistent process improvement feedback to engineering and production leadership
• Support vehicle integration operations and other related departments as needed

Requirements

• Demonstrated high level of ownership and problem-solving abilities

Preferred

• Direct experience with aerospace thermal control/fluid loop or propulsion systems
• Ability to read mechanical and engineering drawings and interpret tolerances (including GD&T)
• Experience working with engineering teams in development and production environments
• Strong communication skills with ability to communicate hardware and systems problems, and provide feedback on improving tooling processes and part design

The Role

As a Spacecraft Fluids & Pumps Engineering Technician, you will build and test the turbopumps and pumped fluid loop hardware that cool our high-power satellites, from development units through production. The ideal candidate is a highly hands-on technician comfortable working across mechanical, fluid, and electromechanical systems in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

3+ years of hands-on aerospace or high-reliability assembly and test experience with fluid or rotating hardware (propulsion, thermal control, pumps/compressors, hydraulics, or similar)

Experience with proof pressure, leak and flow testing

Hands-on experience with tube fabrication, bending, and fittings (swagelok/compression, AN, VCR, flare, or similar)

Familiarity with MES/MRP software

• Familiar with calibrated tools including multimeters, megohmmeters, power suppliers, torque wrenches, safety cable guns, and crimpers
• Experience working with FOD, ESD sensitive hardware and clean room requirements

Nice to Have

Ability to obtain or current hold top secret/SCI security clearance

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 pay range for this non-exempt role is $35 - $45 + 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.