Critical to achieving K2's vision is deploying our 20-kW high-power spacecraft platform at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space. Realizing that vision means actively controlling the heat generated by the high-power payloads our platform hosts. This requires active thermal control systems such as pumped fluid loops, built from fluid turbopumps, valves, accumulators, and pressure and temperature instrumentation. Scaling to constellations requires someone who can span the mechanical, fluid, electromechanical, and thermal-fluid domains and collaborate closely with the thermal, avionics, software, and production teams to deliver these systems at rate
As Senior Mechanisms Engineer, Turbomachinery, you will define how K2 designs, analyzes, manufactures, tests, integrates, and deploys precision turbomachinery for integration into active thermal control systems. You will own these unique pieces of turbomachinery from concept through integration and rate production. You will be responsible for mission-critical hardware which goes to space
Responsible for turbopumps/turbomachinery mechanisms in the spacecraft active thermal control system, including
Architectural down-selection, design, and tolerancing
Pump- and mechanism-specific analyses (rotor dynamics, bearings and seals, hydraulic performance, structural, thermal-fluid)
Environmental test and qualification plans
Ground- and in-flight performance validation plans
Supply chain and high-volume manufacturing trades
Partner with the thermal and platform architecture teams to scope the long-term K2 pumped-fluid-loop roadmap, and system performance requirements
Collaborate with thermal, structures, avionics, and satellite bus teams to determine optimal operations and requirements for the pump, supporting mechanisms, and broader fluid loop
Prepare design reviews to secure stakeholder buy-in and communicate expectations across hardware, software, test, and manufacturing teams
Own and refine program deliverables and schedules throughout development and production
Evaluate and select manufacturing equipment for specialty processes (impeller machining, rotating-assembly balancing, leak/flow test)
Partner with production to develop work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line tests