Quality 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, we design, build, and operate 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. Capella is a subsidiary of IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing, and we are charting the future of Earth observation by integrating remote sensing and quantum technology to support customers with the highest level of data fidelity, security, and speed.

We are 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, and every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of our technology and industry. We thrive on diverse perspectives that help us move faster, think deeper, and push the boundaries of innovation.

• Develop and enforce quality requirements for spacecraft structural assemblies, subassemblies, including propulsion systems, and components.
• Lead, facilitate, investigate nonconformances with root cause corrective action (RCCA) methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, and other structured problem-solving methods. Analyze NCRs, trends, supplier projects, and internal processes.
• Provide real-time quality support on the manufacturing floor, including developing inspection test procedures, acceptance test procedures (ATP), and overseeing environmental testing quality compliance (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC).
• Develop in-process inspection criteria, First Article Inspection plans, and final product acceptance protocols.
• Develop, manage, and support MRB (Material Review Board) dispositions and oversee rework/repair activities.
• Implement incoming inspection process for critical hardware and review supplier quality escape reports.
• Collaborate with Systems Engineering to verify that critical-to-quality (CTQ) features are flowed down and verified at build stages.
• Support internal and external audits, including customer and certification audits.
• Manage supplier quality assurance activities for aerospace parts and assemblies.
• Support manufacturing readiness activities including PFMEA and Control Plans.
• Maintain calibration, gaging, and special process control systems in compliance with aerospace standards.
• Train operators and inspectors on inspection methods, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Ensure compliance with contractual quality requirements, ITAR regulations, and ISO/AS9100 standards.
• Support failure investigations and anomaly resolutions for hardware issues.
• Familiar with tracking and reporting supplier performance metrics (OTD, PPM, NCR rates).
• Maintain strict configuration management and traceability of materials, processes, and documentation per standards.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and process plans to ensure quality requirements are defined and met.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to develop robust process controls and inspection plans.
• Support design for manufacturability and producibility reviews to ensure quality is built into critical spaceflight hardware.
• Monitor and control special processes (e.g., bonding, welding, soldering) critical to spaceflight qualification.
• Support design reviews, test readiness reviews, and customer acceptance milestones.
• Conduct supplier audits, PPAP reviews, First Article Inspections per AS9102 standards.

• B.S. or higher in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or Industrial)
• 8+ years of experience in a regulated industry (aerospace, robotics, medical device, automotive, or equivalent)
• ASQ certifications are a plus
• Experience with…