Senior Simulation Software Engineer
$150k - $200k USD
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
You will be responsible for simulating and verifying the software used to fly some of the largest satellites that have ever been flown, using both hardware-in-the-loop and hardware-out-of-the-loop testing. Where needed, you will be able to step into different parts of the software stack to drive solutions end-to-end and even make changes to vehicle flight software.
In your first 6 months you will develop core pieces of simulation software models, including adding new fidelity, fault injection capabilities, interfacing with simulation hardware, and modeling power systems. In your first year you will generalize simulation software architecture to allow testing and designing multiple spacecraft, demonstrating robust performance in demanding missions. In your first two years you will design many-agent simulations and design tools for operating entire constellations of satellites, informing critical company decisions. This role requires in person presence at our headquarters in Torrance, CA.
Responsibilities
- Create and maintain simulation software infrastructure for our 20kW+ spacecraft
- Develop physics-based software models for testing control of spacecraft subsystems, including propulsion, guidance/attitude control, thermal, power, and communications systems
- Author drivers for simulation hardware
- 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 spacecraft subsystems
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in physics, aerospace/mechanical/electrical engineering, computer science, math, or a STEM field or 3+ years of professional experience in software engineering or relevant professions
- Development experience in Rust, C++, or similar compiled language
- Coursework or experience in numerical methods, ordinary differential equations, mechanics, and electricity and magnetism
Nice to Have
- Master’s or PhD in physics, aerospace/mechanical/electrical engineering, or a STEM field
- Experience working in Rust production environments
- Experience using scientific Python (NumPy, SciPy, etc.), Julia, MATLAB, or similar
- Experience defining and creating simulation systems for both hardware-in-the-loop and hardware-out-of-the-loop testing
- Experience with Monte Carlo simulations and probability/statistics
- Experience with linear algebra, signal processing, controls, and/or orbital mechanics
- Experience with space communication modeling (RF, ground stations)
- Experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery systems
- Experience with spacecraft flight software development
- Experience with Linux systems programming and driver development
- Basic knowledge of electronics, computer architecture, and control systems
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $200,000 + 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.