K2 Space Corporation
National Security Program Manager (TS/SCI)
K2 Space Corporation, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
National Security Program Manager (TS/SCI)
K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others, we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms for missions across LEO to Deep Space. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series B space startup, wed love for you to apply. The Role As a 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. 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 startup environment requires a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high-stakes scenarios, navigates ambiguity, and delivers results under aggressive timelines. Responsibilities Program Leadership: Serve as the primary customer interface, ensuring alignment between mission requirements and K2 Spaces 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 Masters degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline. 10+ years in 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 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 knowledge, skills, education, and experience level Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks If you dont 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, and certain protected individuals. The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, and must be either a U.S. person as defined by ITAR or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license. Equal Opportunity K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Travel required up to 25% of the time. #J-18808-Ljbffr
K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others, we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms for missions across LEO to Deep Space. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series B space startup, wed love for you to apply. The Role As a 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. 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 startup environment requires a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high-stakes scenarios, navigates ambiguity, and delivers results under aggressive timelines. Responsibilities Program Leadership: Serve as the primary customer interface, ensuring alignment between mission requirements and K2 Spaces 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 Masters degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline. 10+ years in 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 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 knowledge, skills, education, and experience level Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks If you dont 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, and certain protected individuals. The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, and must be either a U.S. person as defined by ITAR or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license. Equal Opportunity K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Travel required up to 25% of the time. #J-18808-Ljbffr