Senior Security Engineer, Operations

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 

You’ll help safeguard the technology and teams building a new class of high-powered satellites. You’ll be deeply hands-on – deploying, operating, and refining security controls across identity, endpoints, networks, and cloud platforms that support fast-moving engineering and mission operations. This is a role for someone who thrives on real-world impact: turning security strategy into practical, resilient protections that scale as K2 Space grows. Every system you harden and every risk you reduce directly supports our ability to move fast, operate confidently, and deliver breakthrough satellite capabilities. 

Responsibilities 

• Implement, operate, and maintain security controls across corporate IT environments, including identity and access management, endpoint security, network security, SaaS platforms, and cloud services 

• Serve as a hands-on security engineer supporting day-to-day operations, investigations, and incident response activities 

• Configure and manage identity systems, including user access, role-based controls, conditional access policies, and authentication mechanisms 

• Deploy and support endpoint security tooling such as MDM, EDR, and device compliance controls across macOS, Windows, and Linux environments 

• Partner with network and IT teams to implement and maintain network security controls, including firewall rules, segmentation, and secure remote access 

• Monitor security alerts and logs, investigate suspicious activity, and respond to security incidents, including containment and remediation 

• Support vulnerability management activities, including scanning, prioritization, and remediation tracking in collaboration with IT and engineering teams 

• Assist with security architecture initiatives by implementing designs and providing operational feedback to inform future improvements 

• Contribute to security automation and tooling improvements to increase detection, response speed, and operational efficiency 

• Support compliance and audit efforts by implementing required controls and producing technical evidence as needed 

• Maintain accurate security documentation, runbooks, and standard operating procedures 

• Promote security best practices through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mentorship of junior team members 

 

Qualifications 

• 5+ years of experience in security operations or engineering roles preferably in a fast-paced startup or technology environment 

• 2+ years of development experience with any modern programming language (including but not limited to Python, C++, Rust, Go) in lieu of a degree; OR a bachelor’s degree in security engineering, cyber security, computer science, engineering, math, or other STEM discipline 

• Knowledge of operating systems, current equipment and technologies, networking, security best practices, and system performance monitoring tools 

• Comfortable working with mission critical and sensitive systems, with a sense of urgency appropriate with responsibilities 

• Due to the high visibility of this position, excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills 

Nice to Have 

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in computer science or engineering 

• Technical certifications (i.e., Network+, MCSE, Security+) 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $125,000 – $155,000 and 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.