Manufacturing Engineer, Spacecraft

Staff Manufacturing Engineer, Spacecraft

Louisville, Colorado, United States

IonQ, Inc. 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 20x 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. Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space.

IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.

Capella, an IonQ company, spans national security, advanced sensing, and next-generation compute to deliver secure, mission-ready intelligence. Capella's culture is built on collaboration, rigorous engineering, and a shared commitment to delivering solutions that strengthen global stability and security. Team members work side-by-side with some of the most innovative minds in space systems, quantum-enabled technologies, and mission-critical operations.

Capella values curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to tackle hard problems with precision and creativity. Capella welcomes and encourages applicants whose perspectives are historically underrepresented in technology, national security, and aerospace. No prior space experience is required. Diverse viewpoints strengthen Capella's ability to innovate and deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide.

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

Capella Space is looking for a Staff Manufacturing Engineer with extensive experience in spacecraft manufacturing. In this role, you will lead the manufacturing of multiple satellite configurations from initial bus level assembly, payload in through launch base integration.

• Own execution of all spacecraft assembly and integration activities, ensuring hardware is built to engineering requirements, quality standards, and production schedules.
• Develop work instructions and manufacturing processes with a focus on increasing yield and reducing cycle time.
• Lead investigation, resolution, and root cause/corrective action for non-conformances.
• Design and own large scale GSE needed for manufacturing and integrating spacecrafts.
• Review models and drawings to ensure conformance with manufacturing requirements and to increase manufacturability.
• Partners with engineering on Design for Manufacturing (DFM) to improve producibility, reduce cycle time, and minimize defects.
• Partner with supply chain and supplier base to improve material first pass yield.

• 8+ years of experience in the manufacturing of spacecrafts or complex electro-mechanical systems in an aerospace or space environment.
• Hands on manufacturing and test experience
• Deep knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards
• Proficient in 3D CAD (Solidworks preferred)
• Proficient with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools

The approximate base salary range for this position is $126,887 - $166,127. 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 401K, 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 advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. We are committed to equity and justice. 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…