Joblaze summary

The Flight Software Engineer at K2 Space develops and verifies software for advanced spacecraft, focusing on mission-critical systems like propulsion and attitude control. Proficiency in Rust and experience with C/C++ are essential, alongside a background in software engineering or a related STEM field. This role is ideal for engineers who thrive in dynamic environments and are eager to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace technology. K2 Space is rapidly scaling its operations, aiming to launch multiple satellites, making this an exciting opportunity in a high-growth company.

Joblaze insights

Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on K2 Space's careers page October 29, 2026.
This exact title is also open at 1 other location at K2 Space: Los Angeles, CA.
Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,100).
Starts above 30% of 148 comparable mid other roles that list C++ we track (median $125,000 across 23 companies). See C++ salary trends
C++ appears in 5.6% of 4886 comparable mid other roles; RTOS appears in 0.1% of 4886 comparable mid other roles.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: K2 Space lists $123,000–$160,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 3 years of relevant experience for this Flight Software Engineer role.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C, C++, Linux, RTOS, Rust.
What seniority level is this role?: K2 Space targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Flight Software Engineer role at K2 Space.

From the original posting

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion 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 Role

The software team at K2 is building our stack primarily in Rust because we believe modern programming languages should be fun, as well as correct. We see Rust as a key enabling technology that allows us to be more effective as software engineers across the entire stack whether that is contributing to the GNC algorithms, application software on flight computers, embedded software on microcontrollers, and many things in-between.

As a 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 be able to 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 the 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
Author drivers for microcontroller peripherals and external sensors.
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 3+ years of professional experience in software engineering
Development experience in C/C++ or Rust

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 working with hard real-time embedded systems (bare-metal or RTOS)
Experience authoring no_std systems in Rust
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 working in Rust production environments
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 $123,000 - $160,000 + 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!

Standard company text repeated across K2 Space's postings is omitted here.

Flight Software Engineer

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