Satellite Operations Engineer

About the role

The role is based onsite at our office in Louisville, CO with the option to work a few days remotely. Travel: Up to 5%. Job ID: 571

About Capella

Capella, an IonQ company, spans national security, advanced sensing, and next-generation compute to deliver secure, mission-ready intelligence. Capella's culture is built on collaboration, rigorous engineering, and a shared commitment to delivering solutions that strengthen global stability and security. Team members work side-by-side with some of the most innovative minds in space systems, quantum-enabled technologies, and mission-critical operations. Capella values curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to tackle hard problems with precision and creativity. Capella welcomes and encourages applicants whose perspectives are historically underrepresented in technology, national security, and aerospace.

Responsibilities

• Lead the launch and commissioning of new satellites for autonomous operations
• Perform spacecraft analysis, maintenance, and anomaly response
• Develop and automate operational procedures and tools
• Test and deploy satellite software updates
• Support the execution of special projects and demonstrations
• Interface with other teams to develop and maintain a highly autonomous spacecraft operations system

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field
• 4+ years of relevant work experience
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis and automation
• Familiarity with Astrodynamics, Guidance, Navigation, and Control, Electrical Engineering, Communications Systems, Thermal Engineering, Embedded Software, and Propulsion
• Experience with Git or other version control systems

Soft Skills

• Strong ability to communicate and collaborate within a team environment
• Comfortable dealing with unknowns, quantifying risk, addressing uncertainty, and handling the pressure of a real-time operating environment
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Required Qualification

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.

Pay

The approximate base salary range for this position is $110, 300 - 145,127. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits available on our career site.

Benefits/Perks

• Extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options
• Stock option grants for new hires
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Generous Parental Leave
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Commuter & Parking Benefits
• Mental Health Resources
• Monthly Phone Stipend
• Daily provided lunches and stocked kitchens

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.

Learn More

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