Quality Inspector, Receiving

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 be responsible for performing receiving and in-process inspections of aerospace hardware supporting satellite production. You will work closely with Production, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality Engineering to ensure incoming hardware meets drawings, specification, documentation, and workmanship requirements while maintaining the pace required by a rapidly scaling production environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed incoming inspection of mechanical parts, electronic assemblies, harnesses, flight hardware, and other production material
• Verify hardware against drawings, purchase requirements (QC), specifications, certifications, and applicable quality requirements
• Perform dimensional inspection using calipers, micrometers, heigh gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges, and other precision inspection equipment
• Review supplier documentation including certificates of conformance, material certifications, inspection reports, and FAIR documentation
• Record inspection results and maintain hardware traceability within ERP, MES, and QMS
• Identify, document, and initiate nonconformance records for discrepant hardware
• Work directly with Supply Chain, Production, Design and Manufacturing Engineering to quickly disposition inspection issues
• Support containment activities and supplier escape investigations
• Help identify opportunities to simply inspection plans and improve receiving inspection throughput
• Support in-process and final inspection activities as production priorities require

Qualifications

• 3+ years of quality inspection experience in aerospace, precision machining, automotive, medical device, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T fundamentals
• Proficiency with precision measuring equipment and techniques
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems for tracking inventory and inspection results
• Knowledge of ESD handling procedures and ITAR compliance requirements
• Ability to independently make sound inspection decisions in a fast-paced production environment

Nice to Have

• Aerospace receiving inspection experience
• Familiarity with ISO 9001/AS9100 quality management systems
• Ability to review drawings and identify improper callouts/datum structures, according to ASME Y14.5
• Experience with receiving and inventory transactions in an ERP system 
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

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 $30 - $45 + 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.