Principal Flight Software Engineer Verified today

K2 Space · Los Angeles, CA · Software · first seen 2026-07-16

The Role

You will be responsible for development and verification of software to fly some of the largest spacecraft ever built. You will write mission-critical code controlling propulsion systems, attitude control systems, and power systems to ensure safe and reliable operation.

In your first 6 months, you will develop core pieces of software architecture including fault tolerance strategies, real-time control, and telemetry downlink. In your first year, you will implement larger software systems and verify code using software and hardware-in-the-loop simulators. In your first two years, you will operate your code on multiple spacecraft in demanding missions.

The software team works across a full stack: GNC algorithms (Rust, C++), flight computer applications (Rust, C++), embedded microcontroller software (Rust, C++), operating systems (Rust, C++, C), HDL programming (VHDL, SystemVerilog), and test systems (Python).

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

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, math, or a STEM discipline, or 10+ years of professional experience in software engineering
Development experience in Rust, C/C++, Python, VHDL, or SystemVerilog

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 building or working with hard real-time embedded systems (bare-metal or RTOS)
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 with implementing Extended Kalman Filters for inertial sensors
Experience with fault tolerant software design and implementation
Experience defining and creating test systems for hardware-in-the-loop and hardware-out-of-the-loop

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary: $200,000 - $240,000 plus equity
Salary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience level
Comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, and paid parental leave

Export Compliance

This role requires access to information controlled by U.S. export control regulations (ITAR). You must be a U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual such as refugee or asylee) or eligible for a federally issued export control license.