Satellite Operations Engineer

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting‑edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services and AstraZeneca achieve 20× performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense.

In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two‑qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.

Location: This role is based at our Louisville, CO office with the option to work a few days a week remotely.
Travel: Up to 5 %

Job : 1569

The Role

Capella is looking for a Satellite Operations Engineer to join our close‑knit team of spacecraft operators! In this role, you will own the full operational life‑cycle: from designing mission operations and executing high‑stakes commissioning campaigns, to maintaining fleet health and leading on‑orbit anomaly response.

As a vital member of our Satellite Operations Team, you will drive the reliability and autonomy of our expanding SAR constellation as well as upcoming special projects and demonstrations. If you thrive on solving complex problems in a fast‑paced environment and want to have a direct hand in the success of a growing fleet, we want you at Capella.

• 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
• Participate in a team rotation to be the on‑call first responder for spacecraft anomalies
• Interface with other teams to develop and maintain a highly autonomous spacecraft operations system

• 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 all of the following disciplines and significant experience with at least one:
  • Astrodynamics
  • Guidance, Navigation, and Control
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Communications Systems
  • Thermal Engineering
  • Embedded Software
  • Propulsion
• Experience with Git or other version control systems

• 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

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.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $145,920 - $191,047. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits available on our career site.

Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend.

Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.

At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and…