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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer - **Company:** K2 Space - **Location:** Seattle, WA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $200,000.0 - $240,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Data Analysis, Software Applications, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Computer Engineering, Continuous Delivery, Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Linux, Device Drivers, Embedded Software, Fault Tolerance, Hardware Description Language, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Software Architecture, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Software Systems, SystemVerilog, VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL), Rust (Programming Language), Software Verification, State Machines, Information Technology, Bare Metal, Network Optimization - **Published:** July 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/ae56eee7-236b-44ba-a137-56f5ae259efc ## About the Role With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger 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 C space startup, we'd love for you to apply., * 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, 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 both hardware-in-the-loop and hardware-out-of-the-loop ## Description The software team at K2 strives to blur the lines between the various types of software development and encourages team members to get into parts of the stack they may not otherwise have experience with. This spectrum includes GNC algorithms (Rust, C++), application software on flight computers (Rust, C++), to embedded software on microcrontrollers (Rust, C++),to operating systems (Rust, C++, C), to HDL programming (VHDL, SystemVerilog), to test systems (Python), and many things inbetween. By doing this, we create a stronger team with more capable engineers. For now, this does not include front-end, artificial intelligence, or machine learning development. 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 developcore 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 * 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 ## Related Videos - [Single Server, Global Reach: Running a Worldwide Marketplace on Bare Metal in a Cloud-Dominated World](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1206-single-server-global-reach-running-a-worldwide-marketplace-on-bare-metal-in-a-cloud-dominated-world) - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [What I learned as a developer from accidents in space](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/642-what-i-learned-as-a-developer-from-accidents-in-space) - [How to Avoid Tech Hype Traps - Josip Stuhli](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1817-how-to-avoid-tech-hype-traps-josip-stuhli) - [Code to Road in < 12 hours](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1082-code-to-road-in-12-hours) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers)