Joblaze summary

The OS Platform Engineer at K2 Space focuses on developing and refining the core operating system for advanced spacecraft, ensuring reliable performance and security in mission-critical environments. Key skills include proficiency in Rust, C/C++, and Python, along with experience in real-time embedded systems and Linux systems programming. This role is ideal for experienced engineers with a strong background in software development and a passion for aerospace technology. K2 Space is a rapidly growing company, backed by significant funding, and is poised to make a substantial impact in the satellite industry.

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.
Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,100).
Starts above 95% of 380 comparable mid other roles that list Python we track (median $110,000 across 73 companies). See Python salary trends
Python appears in 16% of 4889 comparable mid other roles; VHDL appears in 0.1% of 4889 comparable mid other roles.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: K2 Space lists $160,000–$200,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 5 years of relevant experience for this OS Platform Engineer role.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C, C++, Linux, Python, Rust, SystemVerilog.
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 OS Platform 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.

You will be responsible for architecting and evolving the core operating system capabilities of some of the largest spacecraft ever flown, ensuring a reliable boundary between SoC specific complexity and high-level flight software. You will write mission-critical code that maintains a secure boot chain and platform for safe operation of the vehicle. In your first 6 months you will develop core pieces of the software platform including tuning Linux to meet hard real-time requirements, and creating a shared sense of time across the vehicle. In your first year you will develop a strategy and tooling to ensure we can utilize the latest Kernel versions with confidence. 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
Maintain custom RT Linux Distribution for internally developed computers
Maintain and customize UBoot to support a bullet-proof rollback system along with validation of authenticity at every step of the boot process
Curate device trees across various boards to allow easy use of hardware specific features
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 5+ years of professional experience in software engineering
Development experience in Rust, C/C++, Python, VHDL, SystemVerilog

Nice to Have

Fluency with Linux systems programming and driver development
Familiarity with building embedded Linux images (Buildroot, Bitbake, Yocto)
Experience building or working with hard real-time embedded systems (bare-metal or RT Linux)
Familiarity with Precision Time Protocol (IEEE1588 PTP)
Experience with spacecraft flight software development
Experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery systems
Basic knowledge of electronics, computer architecture, and control systems
Experience with software verification and testing methods
Experience with software and network performance analysis and debugging
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 $160,000 - $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!

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

OS Platform Engineer

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