About the position
K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($180M 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.
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
Requirements
- 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-haves
- 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
Benefits
- Base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company
- Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
