Simulation Software Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

k2spacecorporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Travel stipend

Job summary

K2 Space is offering a 12-week internship at our Torrance HQ for hands-on software engineering on spacecraft control software. You will work end-to-end on a real project, collaborating with engineers, and contribute to simulations, data analysis, and on-orbit operations support.

We seek students with Rust or C++, plus exposure to Python/NumPy/SciPy; Linux programming and electronics knowledge are a plus. In-person internship; housing/travel stipends may be available.

Qualifications

• Development experience in Rust or C++ or similar compiled language.
• Coursework in numerical methods, ODEs, mechanics, or E&M.
• Exposure to Python numerical libraries (NumPy/SciPy) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop physics-based software models for spacecraft subsystems control.
• Author drivers for simulation hardware.
• Create tools for rapid deployment of quality code.
• Perform data analysis and anomaly investigations to identify bugs.
• Support integration and testing of spacecraft subsystems.

Skills

Rust

C++

Python

MATLAB

Linux programming

NumPy

SciPy

Tools

NumPy

SciPy

Job description

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 rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.

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 spacecraft. You will interact with advanced technologies like cyber-physical system simulators, satellite sensors and actuators, build systems, GNC algorithms, and more.

Responsibilities

• 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

Qualifications

• Development experience in Rust, C++, or similar compiled language
• Coursework or experience in numerical methods, ordinary differential equations, mechanics, and electricity and magnetism

Additional Requirements

• Available for a minimum 12-week internship in person at our HQ in Torrance

Nice to Have

• 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 continuous integration and continuous delivery systems
• Experience with Linux systems programming and driver development
• Basic knowledge of electronics, computer architecture, and control systems

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 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.