Overview
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.
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.
Why Join Us?
- You'll ship real hardware to space—and own it end to end
- You'll work on small, highly-skilled teams with immediate impact
- You'll grow in a culture that values mentorship, autonomy, and technical excellence
- You'll help shape the future of Earth observation with modern engineering
About the Role
As an Electrical Hardware Design Engineer , you'll take ownership of full-cycle PCBA designs—from early concept to flight readiness. You will work cross-functionally with RF, mechanical, software, and operations teams to bring high-reliability, space-ready electronics to life. You will present across disciplines to help facilitate ideas, product readiness and conduct reviews.
Role Responsibilities
Drive the full electrical design lifecycle for spaceflight hardware : schematic capture, layout, bring-up, test, and manufacturing handoffDevelop robust analog / digital designs for mission-critical systems under environmental and performance constraintsParticipate and host collaborative cross disciplinary design reviews sharing feedback and shaping solutions with a team of experienced engineersProvide critical input to schedule planning and hardware requirementsLead board-level bring-up and debugging, integrating firmware / software with embedded systemsDefine test plans and verification strategies that meet flight readiness requirementsPlay a key role in scaling up our manufacturing facility bringing hardware from prototype to low-volume productionCollaborate across teams—mechanical, RF, software, and systems—to ensure seamless integrationMentor early-career engineers contributing to internal process improvements and elevating the overall quality of the teamEngage with external vendors and CMs, ensuring delivery quality, resolving DFM / DFT issues, and ensuring on-time deliveryContribute to failure analysis and root-cause investigations across flight or test anomaliesWhat Success Looks Like
You consistently deliver flight-quality hardware on schedule with minimal oversightYou proactively identify and articulate system-level risks and drive mitigations earlyYou communicate across hardware / software and cross-functional gaps with confidence and clarityYou make thoughtful trade-offs in constrained environments and justify them with dataYou show curiosity about advanced areas like architecture optimization or radiation mitigation—even if they're outside your scope for nowQualifications
4 years of experience designing and debuggingProficiency in Altium Designer (or similar ECAD tools)Hands-on experience with lab instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers, etc.)Solid understanding of digital buses (I2C, SPI, UART, RS422, CAN, USB, PCIe, Ethernet etc.)Familiarity with board bring-up, test planning, and design verification workflowsExperience interacting with contract manufacturers, supporting DFM reviews, and resolving production issuesStrong documentation habits and organizational skillsTo conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, 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.Nice to Have
Experience designing for harsh environments (thermal, vacuum, vibration, etc.)Familiarity with high-speed design or impedance-controlled layoutsBasic scripting or automation in Python or C for hardware test workflowsExposure to radiation effects and mitigation in electronic designFamiliarity with EMI / EMC design practices and validationFamiliarity with satellite electrical systems engineering (propulsion, EPS, GNSS, ADCS, space robotics, etc)Compensation
The annual salary range for this role is $119,085 – $129,028. 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.401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goalsParental Leave ProgramPaid Flexible Time Off PolicyLifestyle Spending AccountCommuter & Parking BenefitsMental Health ResourcesMonthly Phone StipendDog-friendly work environment and pet insurance optionsEqual 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 applicable state and local laws. 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 : Capella Space at www.capellaspace.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!
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