Advanced Concepts Systems Engineer

Staff Advanced Concepts Systems Engineer

Join to apply for the Staff Advanced Concepts Systems Engineer role at 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.

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.

The Mission Architect serves as the chief payload system architect and integrator for new mission ideas, ensuring emerging technologies are evaluated in the context of real, executable missions. This role translates exploratory technologies into mission architectures, concepts of operations (CONOPS), and system-of-systems designs, acting as the critical bridge between science and technology exploration and customer-relevant mission proposals.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical acumen with strategic systems thinking—someone equally comfortable shaping future mission concepts, guiding internal R&D toward mission relevance, and representing the company's vision to customers and partners.

• Lead the creation of mission concepts, reference architectures, and CONOPS for future space missions.
• Integrate emerging technologies into coherent and credible system designs.
• Evaluate technical and programmatic feasibility through trade studies, modeling, simulation, and system analysis.

• Lead internal advanced concept studies, prototypes, and demonstrations.
• Partner with radar, systems, and payload leads—as well as PIs—to identify where emerging technologies become mission-enabling.
• Coordinate with the Technology Transition Lead to flag promising concepts for handoff to engineering.
• Collaborate with the Technical Director to develop presentation materials, budget justifications, and investment proposals for internal and external stakeholders.

• Perform technology forecasting and gap analysis aligned with company strategy and long-term technology roadmaps.
• Identify…