Space Operations Engineering Intern – Summer 2027
K2 Space Corporation
$30 - $40 / hour
Need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview? Contact us.
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Description
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 Space Operations Engineering Intern to join our team for a 3-month internship. You'll join the Space 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.
About this role
K2 Space is hiring a Mission Operations Engineering Intern for a 12-week summer 2027 placement at their Torrance headquarters. You'd work directly with real satellites during integration and testing phases—executing test procedures, interpreting telemetry, commanding spacecraft systems, and identifying issues that need escalation to the broader engineering team. The role spans factory testing through pre-launch and on-orbit operations, so you'll see the full lifecycle of satellites that K2 is mass-producing for LEO and deep space missions.
The position requires current enrollment in a mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or related engineering degree program, plus at least six months of hands-on technical experience outside the classroom—whether from prior internships, research, lab work, or project teams. Experience with spacecraft testing, mission operations concepts (LEOP, telemetry, commanding, anomaly resolution), clean room work, or software testbeds would strengthen your candidacy, as would familiarity with Python, Rust, or Linux. However, K2 explicitly encourages applications from candidates who don't check every box.
You'll earn $30–$40 per hour based on your background and skills, with potential housing and travel support. Note that this role requires U.S. Person status due to ITAR export control regulations, and the position is in-office only.
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$30 to $40 per hour
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