Systems Engineer

About Capella Space

Capella Space is a pioneer in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology and space-based signal intelligence. We empower government, commercial, and research organizations around the world with high-resolution, timely Earth insights that drive better decisions - across defense and intelligence, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, environmental protection, energy, and more.

As a U.S.-based company, Capella designs, builds, and operates an advanced constellation of commercial SAR satellites in orbit today. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where our customers need them most. As a subsidiary of IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing, Capella is charting the future of Earth observation. Together, we’re on a mission to bring quantum computing to space - unlocking ultra-secure, encrypted uplink and downlink capabilities, reducing latency, and enabling powerful on-orbit analytics. This visionary integration of advanced remote sensing and quantum technology will support customers with the highest level of data fidelity, security, and speed.

Capella was named one of Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 and is a trusted partner of the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and allied government agencies worldwide. Built In recognized IonQ on three of its 2025 Best Places to Work lists.

What Makes Capella Unique?

At Capella, we don’t just imagine what’s possible - we build it. We’re a mission-driven team fueled by curiosity, grit, and a shared commitment to redefining the limits of space innovation. Our environment is fast paced, rooted in humble collaboration. Every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of our technology and our industry. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help solve problems that others call impossible—we're the place for you. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere, and we thrive on diverse perspectives that help us move faster, think deeper, and push the boundaries of innovation. Whether you're new to the space industry or a seasoned expert, you'll find a team that values creativity, integrity, and bold thinking. Join us as we build the future of SAR—and take quantum to space.

About The Role

We are seeking an early in career skilled and driven Systems Engineer II to support the development, execution, and delivery of a full lifecycle spacecraft mission. This includes support of early mission architecture and system design, requirements derivation, system detailed design, manufacturing, integration, test, verification and validation, launch, and on-orbit operations. The systems engineer will support technical development for all program efforts.

This role is high-impact, and significantly cross-functional, offering the opportunity to engage with and contribute across many engineering disciplines. In this role you will work closely with internal program teams to enable success of the spacecraft and mission. This role will report to the Senior Manager, Spacecraft Systems within the R&D organization.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning, design, and development of system requirements for space missions
• Define mission goals, validate against system performance, and support cross-functional teams to achieve those goals
• Support requirements development, verification, and validation to ensure technical and programmatic success.
• Work directly with customers to guide mission development from early design through launch and validation
• Support interface definition and management — developing and maintaining Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
• Help develop test plans, guide execution, and ensure test results are well-documented and actionable
• Support key system reviews — SRR, PDR, CDR — and contribute technical guidance to subsystem design (communications, ADCS, propulsion, avionics, structure, etc.)
• Support mission operations coordination, anomaly resolution, and forward-thinking ops planning
• Proactively identify and manage risks across program phases
• Navigate and support space system regulatory processes (orbital debris assessments, spectrum licensing, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• S./M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes and concepts
• First-hand experience on a small to medium-sized technology development program
• Experience with spacecraft design, communications systems, mission design, or spacecraft test preferred
• Experience with requirement management methodologies and tools (e.g., DOORS, Stell, Jama)
• Strong leadership instincts and skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Programming proficiency (Python preferred)
• Creative problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges and risks.
• Preference for a fast-paced dynamic environment.

Eligibility Requirements

• This is an IMMEDIATE hiring need. 
• Ability to work in the Louisville, CO office 2-3 days/week desired. Unless work requires otherwise.
• Applicants must be a US Citizen.
• Active clearance or eligibility for security clearance desired [e.g., Secret/Top Secret/TS/SCI].
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $83,304 - $104,130. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity.  Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.    

Benefits/Perks

In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Parental Leave program
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Commuter & Parking Benefits
• Mental Health Resources
• Monthly Phone Stipend
• Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options 

Equal Opportunity Statement

Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com 

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/  and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!