Senior Systems Engineer

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.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Systems Engineer to lead the development, execution, and delivery of a full lifecycle spacecraft mission. This includes leadership through early mission architecture and system design, requirements derivation, system detailed design, manufacturing, integration, test, verification and validation, launch, and on-orbit operations. The systems engineer will act as the ultimate technical lead for all program efforts.

This role is high-visibility, high-impact, and significantly cross-functional. Project resources are provided by engineering managers of various disciplines, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and software engineering teams. In this role you will work closely with internal program teams, the program customer, and Capella’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT). This role will report to the Senior Manager, Spacecraft Systems within the R&D organization.

• Serve as the technical authority for mission architecture and system design on complex space missions, with an emphasis on RF, communications, or SAR systems
• Lead the definition and evolution of mission concepts of operations, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs, strategic objectives, and enterprise-level priorities.
• Oversee mission formulation, requirements development, verification, and validation to ensure technical and programmatic success.
• Act as the primary technical interface with customers, leading discussions, resolving high-impact issues, and ensuring clear, consistent communication throughout the program lifecycle.
• Provide strategic direction and technical leadership from concept through implementation, integration, and operations for multiple concurrent projects.
• Direct the development and management of…