Principal Software Engineer

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 software team at K2 strives to blur the lines between the various types of software development and encourages team members to get into parts of the stack they may not otherwise have experience with. This spectrum includes GNC algorithms (Rust, C++), application software on flight computers (Rust, C++), embedded software on microcontrollers (Rust, C++), operating systems (Rust, C++, C), HDL programming (VHDL, SystemVerilog), and test systems (Python), and many things inbetween. By doing this, we create a stronger team with more capable engineers. For now, this does not include front‑end, artificial intelligence, or machine learning development. As part of the team, you will be responsible for the development and verification of the software used to fly some of the largest spacecraft that have ever been flown. You will write mission‑critical code that controls propulsion systems, attitude control systems, and power systems to ensure safe and reliable operation of the vehicle. In your first 6 months you will develop core pieces of the software architecture, including strategies for fault tolerance, real‑time control, and telemetry downlink. In your first year you will implement larger software systems and begin verifying your code using both software and hardware‑in‑the‑loop simulators. In your first two years you will operate your code on multiple spacecraft, demonstrating robust performance in demanding missions. 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 Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, math, or a STEM discipline or 10+ years of professional experience in software engineering Development experience in Rust, C/C++, Python, VHDL, SystemVerilog Nice to Have Experience with spacecraft flight software development Fluency 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 developing or working with state machines Experience with software verification and testing methods Experience with software and network performance analysis and debugging Experience with implementing Extended Kalman Filters for inertial sensors Experience with fault tolerant software design and implementation Experience defining and creating test systems for both hardware‑in‑the‑loop and hardware‑out‑of‑the‑loop Compensation and Benefits Base salary range for this role is $200,000 - $240,000 + 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr