The posting
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
As a Quality Inspector, CMM you will be responsible for dimensional inspection and metrology of precision aerospace hardware supporting satellite manufacturing and integration. You will own complex dimensional inspection using CMMs and other metrology equipment and work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Supply Chain, Production, and suppliers to ensure hardware meets engineering requirements.
This role will also help establish K2’s internal dimensional inspection capability, evaluate supplier inspection capability, and use inspection data to improve supplier performance and optimize K2’s receiving inspection process
Responsibilities
- Perform dimensional inspection of complex machined and fabricated aerospace hardware using a CMM and conventional inspection equipment
- Develop, execute, and improve CMM inspection programs
- Interpret engineering drawings and GD&T requirements to establish appropriate inspection strategies
- Perform first article, receiving, in-process, and final dimensional inspections
- Support inspection of large structures and assemblies using laser tracker or other portable metrology equipment
- Analyze dimensional inspection results and clearly communicate findings to Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Production, and suppliers
- Support machine shop process development through dimensional feedback
- Partner with Supply Chain and Quality Engineering to evaluate supplier inspection capability and performance
- Review supplier FAIRs and dimensional inspection reports and help determine when incoming inspection can be reduced based on demonstrated supplier performance
- Maintain inspection equipment, programs, records, and calibration status
- Train other inspectors and technicians on dimensional inspection methods
Qualifications
- 5+ years of dimensional inspection or metrology experience in aerospace, precision machining, or similar manufacturing
- Strong CMM inspection experience
- Strong understanding of GD&T and ASME Y14.5
- Experience inspecting tight-tolerance machined components
- Ability to independently interpret complex engineering drawings
- Proficiency with precision measuring equipment
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Nice to Have
- Experience programming CMMs using Polyworks, Calypso, PC-DMIs, or similar software
- Laser tracker experience
- AS9102 FAIR experience
- Experience with large aerospace structures
- Experience supporting supplier qualification or source inspection
Additional Requirements
- Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed
- Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces
- Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted
Compensation and Benefits:
- Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $33 - $48 + 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.
