# Thermal Design Engineer at K2 Space

K2 Space is hiring a Thermal Design Engineer in Los Angeles, United States. It pays $100k-$215k a year and Level rates it Little AI ●○○○; you can [apply on K2 Space](https://jobsbylevel.com/go/664562ef-5106-4f27-a551-8a24cb1799a7?utm_medium=ai-agent).

AI Level 1, AI centrality 34 out of 100. Los Angeles, CA.

## Details

- Company: [K2 Space](https://jobsbylevel.com/companies/k2-space)
- AI level: AI Level 1 (score 34 out of 100)
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Salary: $100k-$215k
- Posted: November 10, 2026
- Apply: https://jobsbylevel.com/go/664562ef-5106-4f27-a551-8a24cb1799a7?utm_medium=ai-agent
- Free CV review for this job: https://jobsbylevel.com/cv-review?job=thermal-design-engineer-at-k2-space-3fbafd

## Description

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 Thermal Design Engineer you will be a core driver of the detailed thermal design of spacecraft subsystems by running thermal analysis at both the component and spacecraft level. You will also be involved in exploring different thermal management strategies and demonstrating them through test campaigns. Our ideal candidate has experience with in-orbit integrated thermal analysis of spacecraft components using both first principles as well analytical models using software tools (such as Thermal Desktop, Ansys IcePak, and Python for automation purposes). Hands-on experience with thermal testing for spacecraft components such as thermal cycling and TVAC is highly preferred. Responsibilities Develop and maintain thermal models for spacecraft and sub-components using Thermal Desktop and Ansys Set up and execute thermal testing ranging from development to qualification Work with experienced thermal engineers to learn common modeling practices and support weekly tasks that address business needs Work with other engineering subsystems owners to develop robust thermal design for avionics boxes and other electro-mechanical subsystems Collaborate with avionics teams to develop thermal models and thermal tests for electronic assemblies Work with mechanical teams to develop passive and active thermal control hardware for the spacecraft including radiators, heaters, heat pipes, surface coating etc.. Qualifications 3+ years of experience with radiative and conductive thermal modeling of spacecraft systems using Thermal Desktop or similar tools 3+ years of experience with selection, sizing, and design of thermal control hardware including, but not limited to, heat pipes, heaters, SSM, OSR, thermal straps, thermal paints, tapes, MLI, TEC, etc. 1+ year of experience with thermal cycling and thermal vacuum testing including predictions, setup, instrumentation and thermal model correlation Nice to Have Experience with full-vehicle thermal vacuum testing and model correlation Experience with integrated thermal analysis of spacecraft and launch vehicles Experience with electrical PCBA thermal modeling and thermal interface materials (thermal grease, gap pads, etc.) Familiarity with SMC-S016 standard or equivalent Experience with spacecraft primary radiator design and analysis Knowledge of Atlassian software environments Experience with Python, C/C++, or Matlab for thermal modeling and automated data analysis Compensation and Benefits: Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $215,000 + equity in the company Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and

The description is cut here. Read the full offer: https://jobsbylevel.com/jobs/thermal-design-engineer-at-k2-space-3fbafd

Source: https://jobsbylevel.com/jobs/thermal-design-engineer-at-k2-space-3fbafd

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