Automation & Controls Engineer Los Angeles, CA

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 and an additional $500M in signed contracts, we're mass‑producing the highest‑power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're building a program to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II 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 RoleYou'll be at the heart of bringing the production system to life. K2 has a strong push to vertically integrate our production system, which means you'll work side‑by‑side with the production and engineering team to concept, develop, and roll out various automation projects to support this vision.ResponsibilitiesCollaborate with mechanical, electrical, and production engineers to ensure seamless production automation across hardware and control layers.Design and develop production tooling electromechanical automation assemblies either in‑house or through vendors.Own hands‑on buildout, activation, and qualification of automation and controls projects across the production line spanning machine design, robotics, computer vision, and other systems.Implement our HMI strategy and PLC automation in a way that makes machines easy to operate with repeatable results.Understand build flow, production reliability, and process control to implement strategies to increase production takt rate and first pass yield.QualificationsBachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or other relevant engineering discipline.2+ years of experience in a high‑volume manufacturing, production, or hands‑on engineering environment.Strong hands‑on aptitude and willingness to work directly with hardware on the production floor.Exposure to precision assembly or electromechanical integration processes.Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.Experience setting up a manufacturing/production floor for first‑article builds.Nice to HaveHands‑on experience with industrial automation hardware & controls, PLC/HMI/Robotics software control stacks, electrical and fluid schematics.Exposure to space, defense, or other high‑reliability manufacturing environments.Experience designing automation systems for manufacturability.Demonstrated experience developing production processes from the ground up including driving design improvements for manufacturing.Experience working closely with technicians and build tooling.Familiarity with CAD software (NX or equivalent) and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).Compensation and BenefitsBase salary range for this role is $100,000–$140,000 + equity in the company.Salary will be based on several factors including 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.Export ComplianceAs defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain protected individuals. The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations and must therefore either be a “U.S. person” or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.Equal Opportunity StatementK2 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr