Staff Engineer - GNC​/ADCS

About Capella

Capella
, an IonQ company, spans national security, advanced sensing, and next-generation compute to deliver secure, mission‑ready intelligence. It values curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to tackle hard problems with precision and creativity.

Based in Louisville, Colorado with the option to work two days a week remotely. Up to 5% domestic or international travel.

As a Staff Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Engineer, you will manage the lifecycle of Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) and Propulsion subsystems for a constellation of radar‑imaging spacecraft and future quantum space missions. You will serve as a cognizant engineer for GNC hardware and software, working closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure existing spacecraft meet mission objectives and to design and develop next‑generation systems.

• Drive the full lifecycle for ADCS and Propulsion systems supporting a constellation of spacecraft: design, build, test, on‑orbit operations, and decommissioning.
• Generate and own ADCS and Propulsion systems performance requirements to satisfy high‑level mission objectives.
• Lead research and development for new spacecraft subsystems, from first principles to complex trade studies and system sizing, presenting at program‑level design reviews.
• Design and implement state estimators and control algorithms for the localization and pointing of cutting‑edge quantum missions and radar‑imaging spacecraft.
• Develop custom software tools to automate engineering workflows, support design studies, and enhance spacecraft on‑orbit operational efficiency.
• Build high‑fidelity software simulations to model spacecraft dynamics and system behavior.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for all things ADCS and Propulsion.
• Act as the technical contact for external ADCS and Propulsion vendors and partners, keeping informed of the broader industry landscape.
• Occasional travel may be required.

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience with GNC, ADCS, or control systems in spacecraft, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or UAVs/drones.
• Solid understanding of state estimation/filtering and applications.
• Solid understanding of rigid body and flexible dynamics.
• Demonstrated leadership of hardware development projects.
• Familiarity with orbital dynamics and the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space environment.
• Familiarity with a scripting language such as Python or MATLAB.
• Compliance with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR; U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylum seekers, or eligible for required authorizations.

• Familiarity with GNC/ADCS hardware: star trackers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, torque rods, control moment gyroscopes, propulsion systems, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, GPS, etc.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or C/C++ and experience developing flight‑application software.
• Experience dealing with unknowns, quantifying risk, navigating uncertainty, and handling the pressure of a real‑time operating environment.
• Strong communication skills and teamwork across functions.
• Enthusiasm for learning and teaching new skills.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $145,920 – $191,047. Final salary will depend on education, qualifications, skill set, and experience, as well as location and market data. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, a matching 401(k) plan, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend.

Capella is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an environment where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Employment with Capella involves technology subject to U.S. export controls. Candidates must be U.S. persons as defined by law or otherwise meet export‑control requirements. Additional questions regarding immigration status will be asked and reviewed for compliance.