ZipRecruiter
Security Program Manager (TS/SCI)
ZipRecruiter, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
Overview
K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and others, with $200M raised to date, we aim to mass-produce the highest-powered satellite platforms for missions across LEO to Deep Space. We believe a new era requires spacecraft designed to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market. We are a fast-paced startup building large, high-powered satellites capable of handling multiple orbits, with a focus on contributing to a future where humanity could become a Kardashev Type II civilization. If you are motivated and excited about contributing to a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we encourage you to apply. The Role As a Program Manager in Security Programs at K2 Space, you will drive mission success and shape our growing portfolio of Security space programs. You will serve as the primary interface with customers, leading programs from early business development and proposal phases through design, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations. You will collaborate with a cross-disciplinary team to develop innovative solutions that align with mission requirements and customer expectations. Our startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives under aggressive timelines and can navigate ambiguity. If you are a self-starter with a passion for innovation in space systems and a drive to solve challenging problems, 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 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 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+ 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 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 unlimited 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 ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain protected individuals. 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 controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR. The hire 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 is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by ethnicity, veteran status, marital status, age, or any other legally protected status. #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 others, with $200M raised to date, we aim to mass-produce the highest-powered satellite platforms for missions across LEO to Deep Space. We believe a new era requires spacecraft designed to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market. We are a fast-paced startup building large, high-powered satellites capable of handling multiple orbits, with a focus on contributing to a future where humanity could become a Kardashev Type II civilization. If you are motivated and excited about contributing to a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we encourage you to apply. The Role As a Program Manager in Security Programs at K2 Space, you will drive mission success and shape our growing portfolio of Security space programs. You will serve as the primary interface with customers, leading programs from early business development and proposal phases through design, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations. You will collaborate with a cross-disciplinary team to develop innovative solutions that align with mission requirements and customer expectations. Our startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives under aggressive timelines and can navigate ambiguity. If you are a self-starter with a passion for innovation in space systems and a drive to solve challenging problems, 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 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 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+ 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 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 unlimited 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 ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain protected individuals. 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 controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR. The hire 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 is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by ethnicity, veteran status, marital status, age, or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr