Welder & Fabrication Technician
Company
K2 Space
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
5 days ago
Via
JobLeads
Apply On
Job Description
Overview
K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown. Backed by $450M from leading investors and $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we’re mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms for missions from LEO to deep space. The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry to mass abundance, and K2 satellites are engineered to survive harsh radiation environments and deliver capability at constellation scale 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 a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we’d love for you to apply.
The Role
You will be responsible for helping set up, operate, and optimize K2 Space’s development shop. This pivotal role will support development projects which will inform the design of our Mega Class satellite. You will work closely with engineering teams and operations management to fabricate tooling and ground support equipment. You will be highly motivated, detail oriented, and execute at the highest level.
Responsibilities
• Support the establishment of the K2 Space Development shop, including the selection and initial set up of equipment
• Perform Class A weld quality, including TIG, MIG, and other specialized welding processes
• Process sheet metal utilizing water jet cutting, and various other machine tools
• Operate a wide variety of fabrication equipment (CNC press brake, shear roller, mill, lathe, horizontal and vertical bandsaw, and sanding equipment)
• Troubleshoot issues with equipment and perform preventative maintenance
• Identify and self-start projects that improve the overall program success and progress
• Inspect finished products to ensure they meet the highest quality standards
• Communicate with engineering teams and leadership for general alignment, capability, and support prioritization
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment in compliance with EH&S standards
• Consistently provide process improvement ideas and design feedback to improve manufacturability
Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience with Class A TIG/MIG welding and thin sheet metal
• 5+ years of experience with sheet metal fabrication and forming
• Strong proficiency in GD&T tolerances and technical drawing interpretation
Nice to Have
• Experience working in a space hardware development program
• Experience working in a high-pace development environment with ability to adapt to short production schedules
• Operate with a high sense of urgency, with strong attention to detail and strong communications skills
Additional Requirements
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as bending or twisting, grasping, standing, lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, and use hands to operate tools or equipment
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted
Compensation and Benefits
• Hourly rate for this non-exempt role is $30 – $42 + equity in the company
• Compensation will be based on factors including knowledge, skills, education, and experience
• 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 and Equal Opportunity
Export Compliance: As defined in 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 a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of 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.
K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown. Backed by $450M from leading investors and $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we’re mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms for missions from LEO to deep space. The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry to mass abundance, and K2 satellites are engineered to survive harsh radiation environments and deliver capability at constellation scale 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 a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we’d love for you to apply.
The Role
You will be responsible for helping set up, operate, and optimize K2 Space’s development shop. This pivotal role will support development projects which will inform the design of our Mega Class satellite. You will work closely with engineering teams and operations management to fabricate tooling and ground support equipment. You will be highly motivated, detail oriented, and execute at the highest level.
Responsibilities
• Support the establishment of the K2 Space Development shop, including the selection and initial set up of equipment
• Perform Class A weld quality, including TIG, MIG, and other specialized welding processes
• Process sheet metal utilizing water jet cutting, and various other machine tools
• Operate a wide variety of fabrication equipment (CNC press brake, shear roller, mill, lathe, horizontal and vertical bandsaw, and sanding equipment)
• Troubleshoot issues with equipment and perform preventative maintenance
• Identify and self-start projects that improve the overall program success and progress
• Inspect finished products to ensure they meet the highest quality standards
• Communicate with engineering teams and leadership for general alignment, capability, and support prioritization
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment in compliance with EH&S standards
• Consistently provide process improvement ideas and design feedback to improve manufacturability
Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience with Class A TIG/MIG welding and thin sheet metal
• 5+ years of experience with sheet metal fabrication and forming
• Strong proficiency in GD&T tolerances and technical drawing interpretation
Nice to Have
• Experience working in a space hardware development program
• Experience working in a high-pace development environment with ability to adapt to short production schedules
• Operate with a high sense of urgency, with strong attention to detail and strong communications skills
Additional Requirements
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as bending or twisting, grasping, standing, lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, and use hands to operate tools or equipment
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted
Compensation and Benefits
• Hourly rate for this non-exempt role is $30 – $42 + equity in the company
• Compensation will be based on factors including knowledge, skills, education, and experience
• 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 and Equal Opportunity
Export Compliance: As defined in 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 a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Plumber Jobs
What hourly rate including overtime applies to plumber positions in the United States starting January 2026?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, plumbers receive a base rate of $32.45 per hour with time-and-a-half at $48.68 per hour for all hours over 40 in a workweek as of January 1 2026. This rate applies nationwide under the Fair Labor Standards Act for non-exempt plumbing roles. Union contracts in 12 states add an additional $4.25 per hour shift differential.
What visa and work permit steps are required for foreign plumbers to work legally in the United States in 2026?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires an approved H-2B petition with a valid temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor showing no qualified U.S. workers available. The visa cap for fiscal year 2026 is set at 66,000 with an additional 20,000 returning worker exemption available until March 31 2026. Applicants must submit Form I-129 and pay the $460 filing fee plus $150 fraud prevention fee.
What education and experience minimums qualify someone for licensed plumber jobs in the United States?
The U.S. Department of Labor requires completion of a 4-5 year registered apprenticeship program totaling at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of related classroom instruction. A high school diploma or GED is mandatory before starting the apprenticeship. Four states additionally require 2 years of documented prior experience for license examination eligibility in 2026.
Which documents must be submitted when applying for plumber positions through official U.S. government workforce channels in 2026?
Job seekers must upload a completed ETA Form 9089, current plumbing license, and proof of apprenticeship completion to the Department of Labor's job bank system. A valid Social Security card and state-issued photo ID are required for I-9 verification within three business days of hire. Background check authorization forms must also be signed before any conditional offer.
