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 ($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 intern to join our team for a 3 month internship. 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 internship/work experience)
- Development experience in Rust, C/C++, or Go
Additional Requirements
- Available for a minimum 12 week internship 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 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.
Top Skills
K2 Space Corporation Torrance, California, USA Office
960 Knox Street, Building A , Torrance, California , United States, 90502
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