Payroll Supervisor

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

The Payroll Supervisor is responsible for overseeing and executing accurate, timely payroll processing for both hourly and salaried employees. This role ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, manages payroll operations and controls, and serves as a subject-matter expert for payroll-related questions. You will drive process improvements, and partners with HR, Finance, and management to ensure seamless payroll operations. This role will report to the Head of Finance & Accounting.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and process payroll for hourly and salaried employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance

• Review and approve payroll calculations, including wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and deductions

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations (including tax filings and wage/hour requirements)

• Oversee payroll tax filings, reconciliations, and year-end processes (e.g., W-2s)

• Manage and maintain payroll systems, timekeeping systems, and related data

• Resolve payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries, and escalated issues in a timely and professional manner

• Develop, document, and enforce payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls

• Partner with HR on new hires, terminations, benefits deductions, and leave management

• Collaborate with Finance on payroll reporting, audits, and general ledger reconciliations

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and increased efficiency within payroll operations

• Undertake additional tasks and responsibilities as required to meet business demands

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

• 5+ years of payroll experience, including experience with both hourly and salaried payroll

• Previous supervisory or lead experience preferred

• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and wage and hour compliance; particularly California

• Experience with payroll and timekeeping systems

• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Nice to Have

• Experience working with Rippling

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

• Space industry or aerospace experience

• Strong experience in organizations with high-level regulations and compliance 

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $140,000 + 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.