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
You will design, build, and own the compliance program for K2 Space’s supply chain. You will be the subject matter expert in supply chain compliance best practices for space hardware, building a compliant, resilient supply base that gives us a competitive advantage, owning compliance readiness so programs stay on track for build and delivery targets, and coaching team members to work to the same high standards. Key skills include a deep understanding of export controls (ITAR/EAR), government contract flowdowns (FAR/DFARS), counterfeit parts prevention, and supplier compliance qualification requirements, plus the ability to turn complex regulations into practical processes the team can follow. You will work closely with procurement, quality, legal, engineering, programs and external suppliers to deliver hardware that meets cost, schedule, quality and regulatory requirements for our company-critical missions.
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain the supply chain compliance program, including policies, procedures, training and audit processes that scale with the company
- Partner with procurement and supplier development engineering to onboard suppliers, verify compliance, and maintain records
- Maintain supplier templates, onboarding documentation, supplier questionnaires, and procurement compliance forms
- Ensure procurement transactions comply with company purchasing policies
- Review and ensure correct application of standard Purchase Order Terms & Conditions, quality clauses, shipping requirements, and procurement language
- Manage export control compliance in the supply chain, including ITAR/EAR requirements for technical data sharing, supplier eligibility and international sourcing
- Build compliance metrics and reporting that give leadership clear visibility into supply chain risk and program readiness
- Support proposal activities by providing supplier compliance information, approved supplier data, sourcing inputs, and procurement compliance documentation
- Act as the compliance partner for procurement, quality, legal, engineering and programs on sourcing and supplier decisions
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Law, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in supply chain compliance management in aerospace and defense
- Strong working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, FAR and DFARS as they apply to procurement and suppliers
- Experience building or scaling compliance programs, including writing policies, procedures and training
- Experience with counterfeit parts prevention, supplier qualification and contract flowdown management
- Experience leading supplier audits, risk assessments and corrective action processes
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to turn complex regulations into clear, practical guidance
- Clear communication skills, with the ability to influence suppliers and internal teams at all levels.
Nice to Have
- Experience supporting DCMA, DCAA or prime contractor audits
- Experience in the space industry or with satellite or launch vehicle programs
- Experience at a startup or fast-growing company where you built compliance processes from scratch
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment with high ownership and little structure
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $130,000 - $165,000 + equity in the company
- Salary 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.
