ZipRecruiter
Software Engineering - Summer 2026
ZipRecruiter, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
Job DescriptionJob Description
K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($200M raised to date), we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space.
The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market.
We're a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want 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 B space startup, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
We're looking for a stellar to join our team for a 3 month . Working closely with K2 engineers in a highly collaborative environment, you will be responsible for owning a software engineering project end-to-end and supporting actual on-orbit operations of our Mega spacecraft (expected launch February 2026). You will interact with advanced technologies like cyber-physical system simulators, satellite sensors and actuators, build systems, GNC algorithms, and more.
Responsibilities
Create software architecture for real-time, fault-tolerant control of a 20kW+ spacecraft
Develop software applications for control of spacecraft subsystems, including propulsion, guidance/attitude control, thermal, power, and communications systems
Design and implement state machines for robust operation of the spacecraft
Create and utilize robust tools to allow for rapid deployment of quality code
Perform data analysis and anomaly investigation to identify and resolve software bugs
Support integration and testing of the spacecraft subsystems
Build and maintain infrastructure to increase reliability when developing and testing software
Qualifications
Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or other relevant engineering discipline
6+ months of experience using technical engineering skills outside of the university classroom setting (eg: laboratory, research, extracurricular project teams, volunteering, personal projects or prior /work experience)
Development experience in Rust, C/C++, or Go
Additional Requirements
Available for a minimum 12 week in person at our HQ in Torrance
Nice to Have
Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
Experience with spacecraft flight software development
Experience with Linux systems programming and driver development
Experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery systems
Experience building or working with hard real-time embedded systems (bare-metal or RTOS)
Basic knowledge of electronics, computer architecture, and control systems
Experience defining and creating test systems for both hardware-in-the-loop and hardware-out-of-the-loop
Compensation
Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $30 - $40 per hour
Hourly rate will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
Housing and travel stipend may also be available
If you don't meet 100% of the 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. , lawful permanent (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 , , , , /, veteran status, status, , , , marital status, mental or physical or any other legally protected status.
K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($200M raised to date), we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space.
The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market.
We're a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want 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 B space startup, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
We're looking for a stellar to join our team for a 3 month . Working closely with K2 engineers in a highly collaborative environment, you will be responsible for owning a software engineering project end-to-end and supporting actual on-orbit operations of our Mega spacecraft (expected launch February 2026). You will interact with advanced technologies like cyber-physical system simulators, satellite sensors and actuators, build systems, GNC algorithms, and more.
Responsibilities
Create software architecture for real-time, fault-tolerant control of a 20kW+ spacecraft
Develop software applications for control of spacecraft subsystems, including propulsion, guidance/attitude control, thermal, power, and communications systems
Design and implement state machines for robust operation of the spacecraft
Create and utilize robust tools to allow for rapid deployment of quality code
Perform data analysis and anomaly investigation to identify and resolve software bugs
Support integration and testing of the spacecraft subsystems
Build and maintain infrastructure to increase reliability when developing and testing software
Qualifications
Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or other relevant engineering discipline
6+ months of experience using technical engineering skills outside of the university classroom setting (eg: laboratory, research, extracurricular project teams, volunteering, personal projects or prior /work experience)
Development experience in Rust, C/C++, or Go
Additional Requirements
Available for a minimum 12 week in person at our HQ in Torrance
Nice to Have
Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
Experience with spacecraft flight software development
Experience with Linux systems programming and driver development
Experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery systems
Experience building or working with hard real-time embedded systems (bare-metal or RTOS)
Basic knowledge of electronics, computer architecture, and control systems
Experience defining and creating test systems for both hardware-in-the-loop and hardware-out-of-the-loop
Compensation
Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $30 - $40 per hour
Hourly rate will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
Housing and travel stipend may also be available
If you don't meet 100% of the 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. , lawful permanent (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 , , , , /, veteran status, status, , , , marital status, mental or physical or any other legally protected status.