Guidance Navigation & Control (GNC) Intern – Summer 2026

K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($200M raised to date), we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space. 

The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market.  

We’re a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want 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 B space startup, we’d love for you to apply. 

The Role 

We’re looking for a stellar GNC Intern to join our team for a 3 month internship. Working closely with our GNC engineers, you will be responsible for developing models in our in-house 6 DoF simulation, testing and developing GNC algorithms for attitude and orbit control to support spacecraft operations, supporting actual on-orbit operations of our Mega spacecraft (expected launch February 2026), and assisting in the verification and validation of space-grade flight software. K2 Space is a highly collaborative environment, and our interns will be encouraged to work with mentors and other team members to execute complex projects while maintaining a significant level of ownership and autonomy. 

Responsibilities 

• Work with other engineers to develop a novel high-level vehicle architecture 

• Develop novel algorithms for precise pointing, state estimation, orbit transfer, mission design, and station-keeping of very large structures in earth orbit and beyond 

• Test these novel algorithms in unit testing and an integrated simulation and HITL environment 

• Develop models and simulations for high fidelity spacecraft actuators, sensors, and dynamics 

• Support actuator and sensor hardware trades for K2’s next generation spacecraft 

Qualifications 

• Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program in aerospace, mechanical, or other relevant engineering discipline 

• 6+ months of experience applying technical engineering skills outside of the university classroom setting (eg: laboratory, research, extracurricular project teams, volunteering, personal projects or prior internship/work experience) 

• Experience with Python, Julia, C/C++, or Matlab for algorithm development, implementation, and simulation 

Additional Requirements 

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

Nice to Have 

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program in aerospace, mechanical, or other relevant engineering discipline 

• Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers 

• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic professional setting with changing needs and requirements 

• Experience with Rust for algorithm development, implementation, and simulation 

• Demonstrated ability with GNC actuator or sensor sizing, selection, and system design within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting 

• Demonstrated understanding of trajectory analysis, modeling, and mission design 

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 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!

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.