Technical Recruiter

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others - with an additional $500M 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 planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become 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 groundbreaking Series C space startup, we’d love for you to apply.

The Role

K2 Space is building the satellites that will define the next generation of national security and commercial space infrastructure, and we're looking for a Recruiter who wants to be a genuine partner in that mission. You'll work directly with engineering hiring managers to build deep fluency in their disciplines, co-develop hiring strategies, and own the full recruiting cycle across multiple technical teams. This is not a support role. Our recruiting team is trusted to operate as strategic advisors to the business, and you'll see the direct impact of your work in the teams we build. This role requires in-person presence at our headquarters in Torrance, CA.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with engineering hiring managers to develop tailored hiring strategies, understanding their roadmaps, their team dynamics, and what exceptional looks like in their discipline
• Develop genuine technical fluency across the engineering domains you support, so you can source intelligently, screen credibly, and represent K2's work authentically to candidates
• Proactively source and attract top engineering talent through creative outreach, talent community development, and a strong presence in relevant technical spaces
• Design and continuously refine interview processes that increase confidence in selection and reduce bias
• Collaborate with leaders on closing strategies that are informed and reflect what candidates actually care about
• Screen candidates and serve as an ambassador for K2's mission and talent brand

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 2+ years of full-cycle recruiting experience, ideally with engineering or technical roles
• Strong organizational and project management skills to run multiple high-priority searches concurrently
• Ability to build trusted relationships with both candidates and senior hiring partners
• Comfort operating with a high degree of autonomy in a fast-moving environment

Nice to Have

• Experience recruiting across engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, systems, software, or similar)
• Aerospace, defense, or hard tech industry background
• Experience in organizations with ITAR, OFCCP, or similar compliance requirements
• Track record in high-velocity, high-growth companies
• Experience coaching or giving feedback to senior leaders on hiring decisions
• Prior success in developing new or unconventional sourcing strategies

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $130,000 + 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.