RF Payload Program Manager (TS//SCI)

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 an RF Payload Program Manager in National Security Programs at K2 Space, you will play a pivotal role in driving mission success and shaping our growing portfolio of National Security space programs. Serving as the primary interface with our emerging and existing customers, you will lead programs from early business development and proposal phases through design, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations.

In this role, you will collaborate with a highly skilled, cross-disciplinary team to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and customer expectations. Our fast-paced, startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high-stakes scenarios, navigates ambiguity, and delivers results under aggressive timelines.

If you are a self-starter with a passion for innovation in space systems, a drive to solve previously unsolved problems, and a commitment to delivering impactful National Security capabilities, we want you on our team.

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Serve as the primary customer interface, ensuring alignment between mission requirements and K2 Space’s technology offerings.
• Strategic Business Development: Shape new opportunities and architectures by collaborating with stakeholders, defining program requirements, and aligning efforts with long-term strategic objectives.
• Program Execution: Oversee all aspects of programs from contract award through integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations, ensuring mission success and contract fulfillment.
• Proposal & Contract Management: Lead proposal efforts, ensuring technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with long-term engineering objectives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering teams to assess vehicle readiness, manage technical and contractual changes, and mitigate risks.
• Customer Engagement & Advocacy: Lead customer reviews, deliver technical briefings, negotiate requirements, and maintain strong relationships with government stakeholders.
• Operate effectively in a rapidly evolving startup where agility, autonomy, and proactive problem-solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in program management, systems engineering, or operations of government programs.
• Deep understanding of launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems.
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Nice to Have

• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline.
• 10+ program management, project management, systems engineering, or operations.
• Experience with Spacecraft mission design, development, integration, and/or test.
• Experience with management or program leadership. 
• Proven ability to innovate in process improvement and system architectures. 
• Experience working in the US national security community as a service member, civil servant, or contractor
• Experience with contracts and contract negotiations
• Demonstrated track record of project ownership, responsibility for execution, and successful outcomes
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $125,000 - $185,000 + 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.