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.

What Makes Capella Unique?

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.

About the Role

You will execute the full life cycle of mission operations, including ground system integration, operation procedure development, satellite command and control, software development, and mission data analysis. You're an independent problem solver that seeks out ways to make our systems better, learns best practices, and wants to help build out a satellite constellation. As part of the space operations team, you will be interacting on a daily basis with other spacecraft operators, software engineers, satellite engineers, and product engineers to develop and run a highly autonomous spacecraft operations system.

We expect all Space Operations team members to work on a variety of problems across the spacecraft operations space, be familiar with how the spacecraft functions, and be capable of commanding and controlling it.

The Capella operations center is nominally entirely automated by software with operators on-console to support critical mission events like launch, early operations, and on-call anomaly response. Day-to-day responsibilities will primarily involve improving the automated operations system through procedure development, scripting anomaly response, performing spacecraft analysis, and supporting the execution of special projects and demonstrations in conjunction with the product engineering team.

You will participate in an on-call rotation with your fellow operators and be the first responder to spacecraft anomalies on a regular basis. The position is available in San Francisco or Boulder.

Qualifications

Proficiency in Python
Familiarity with each of the following disciplines and significant experience with at least one:
Astrodynamics
Guidance, Navigation, and Control
Electrical Engineering
Communications Systems
Thermal Engineering
Embedded Software
Comfortable dealing with unknowns, quantifying risk, addressing uncertainty, and handling the pressure of a real-time operating environment
Experience with or ideas for scaling a fleet of vehicles in the field and their support infrastructure
An unwillingness to ignore anomalous or unusual behavior without root-causing it
Good communications skills, ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and enjoyment of learning and teaching new 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.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $85,000 - $165,000. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity. Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.

Benefits/Perks

In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

We provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
Parental Leave program
Lifestyle Spending Account
Commuter & Parking Benefits
Mental Health Resources
Monthly Phone Stipend
Furry friends? We've got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options

Equal Opportunity Statement

Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/ and follow us on X and LinkedInto see our SAR imagery!

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