Physical security & operations officer

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion 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 in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward 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 high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.

The Role

The Physical Security Specialist will support K2 Collateral, SCI and SAP Security programs at our facilities in the Torrance, CA area. The PHYSEC Specialist will support core security operations, including managing incoming and outgoing visit requests, producing employees, tenants, and visitor badges, conducting security training and maintaining corporate and government security databases.

Responsibilities

The PHYSEC Specialist performs the following functions, with increasing independence as proficiency is demonstrated:

• Personnel Security Processing
• Track personnel security investigations in the Government (NBIS) and corporate databases
• Process visits access requests (incoming & outgoing,) visit authorization letters (VALs), and courier authorizations via Government and Corporate databases
• Assist in the administration of Collateral and SCI access briefings and debriefings in coordination with the Facility Security Officer and Contractor Special Security Officer.
• Records Management & Compliance
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date personnel security files (paper and electronic) in compliance with CFR 32, NISPOM, ICD 704, and customer-specific directives.
• Conduct regular audits of security databases to ensure data integrity, identify expiring clearances, and flag derogatory information for supervisor review.
• Track continuous evaluation (CE) alerts and notifications in DISS; document actions taken and escalating issues per established procedures.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposition of classified information.
• Customer Support & Coordination
• Serve as point of contact for cleared employees regarding badging, security clearance status, reporting requirements, and foreign travel notifications.
• Brief new hires and contractors on their personnel security obligations, including self-reporting requirements and Insider Threat awareness.
• Coordinate with DCSA, DoD components, local government agencies and IC agencies to resolve issues.
• Respond to inquiries from Program Managers, HR, Engineering and Contracts regarding clearance eligibility and processing timelines.
• Administrative & Reporting
• Prepare routine reports, metrics, and status updates on clearance processing timelines and backlog for leadership review.
• Support other security team members with security program documentation, including updates to Standard Practice Procedures (SPPs) and program-specific security plans.
• Assist with preparation for DCSA facility inspections and program reviews; ensure records are organized and readily available.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Security.

Qualifications

Must be willing to submit for Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility. Must be willing to submit to a CI Poly.

Minimum 2 years of experience in physical security, security administration, or a closely related government/contractor security support role.

Demonstrated, hands-on experience security systems including initiating investigations, processing visit requests, submission workflows and resolving system discrepancies.

Working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM / 32 CFR Part 117), ICD 704, and applicable DCSA assessment and adjudication guidelines.

Exceptional attention to detail — ability to review complex forms and databases for accuracy, catching errors before they affect mission-critical clearance timelines.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain security requirements clearly to employees at all levels.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); comfort learning new security-related software and government portals.

Ability to handle sensitive personnel information with discretion and strict confidentiality.

Organized, methodical work style with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Nice to Have

Experience supporting IC customers (e.g., DNI-sponsored positions, SCI program offices) in addition to DCSA/DoD programs.

Familiarity with Envoy, DISS, SIMS, Scattered Castles, or other IC-specific security management systems.

Experience with the Insider Threat program, continuous evaluation (CE) processes, or adjudicative criteria under the 13 Adjudicative Guidelines.

DCSA or industry-recognized personnel security certification (e.g., SPeD PSP, NCMS certification, or equivalent).

Experience working in a multi-customer environment supporting both collateral and SCI programs concurrently.

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Security Management, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, or related discipline) preferred.

Associate's degree with equivalent relevant experience will be considered.

High school diploma/GED required; substantial direct personnel security experience may substitute for degree requirements at the discretion of hiring management.

Completion of the CDSE Personnel Security Adjudicative Guidelines course or equivalent DCSA/IC training is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range for this role is $30 - $37 per hour 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.