Senior GNC Engineer - ADCS & Propulsion

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.

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.

As an Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) and Propulsion Engineer, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of the ADCS and propulsion subsystems for a constellation of radar imaging spacecraft. You will serve as a cognizant engineer for Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) hardware and software. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers to ensure existing spacecraft meet their mission objectives and to design and develop next‑generation systems.

Your work will have a direct impact on spacecraft performance and the overall technical success of Capella.

This role sits in the Space Systems organization, alongside systems, thermal, electrical/harnessing, mechanical/deployables, radar/communications, and flight software engineers.

• Support ADCS and Propulsion systems for a constellation of spacecraft through the entire lifecycle: design, build, testing, on‑orbit operations, and decommissioning.
• Generate ADCS and Propulsion systems performance requirements to satisfy high‑level mission objectives.
• Perform research and development for new spacecraft, working from first principles to develop and execute trade studies, conduct system sizing and design, and present at design reviews.
• Design and implement state estimators and control algorithms for the localization and pointing of radar‑imaging spacecraft; be a technical authority on control theory.
• Develop software to automate workflows, support design studies, and enhance spacecraft operational efficiency.
• Develop software simulations of spacecraft dynamics and system behavior.
• Be a subject matter expert for ADCS and Propulsion systems.
• Be a technical contact for ADCS and Propulsion vendors and keep informed of the industry landscape.
• Occasional travel…