Flight Software Engineering Manager

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 were 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 ofFast Companys 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023and 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 Worklists.

What Makes Capella Unique

At Capella we dont just imagine whats possible - we build it. Were 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 youre ready to roll up your sleeves and help solve problems that others call impossiblewere 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 youre new to the space industry or a seasoned expert youll find a team that values creativity integrity and bold thinking. Join us as we build the future of SARand take quantum to space.

About the Role

As the Manager of Flight Software at Capella you will lead a team of engineers responsible for developing and maintaining the software that runs Capellas satellite fleet in space. You will oversee a dedicated segment of the existing flight software team supporting mission-critical software development and contributing directly to the success of Capellas on-orbit operations.

This role offers the opportunity to influence technical direction grow and mentor engineering talent and drive high standards of execution in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. Youll work alongside engineers and stakeholders across electrical FPGA systems and ground software teams to deliver robust and reliable spacecraft software.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of flight software engineers responsible for designing developing testing and maintaining embedded software for satellite systems.
• Collaborate with peers and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration between hardware and software components.
• Establish and uphold engineering best practices including code reviews automated testing documentation and design reviews.
• Mentor engineers through technical challenges performance feedback and career development.
• Support architectural discussions software planning and trade studies within the teams scope of responsibility.
• Drive consistent and timely execution of project milestones and deliverables.
• Facilitate strong communication across engineering disciplines and ensure software solutions meet mission and system-level requirements.
• Contribute to hiring onboarding and team growth efforts as Capella scales.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in computer science computer engineering electrical engineering or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Experience managing or leading software engineering teams particularly within embedded systems or aerospace domains.
• Strong foundation in real-time embedded systems including experience with bare-metal or RTOS environments.
• Proficiency in C and C (C experience highly preferred); experience with scripting languages such as Python or shell scripting.
• Familiarity with embedded Linux Linux kernel modules and development tools.
• Experience with microcontrollers and SoCs (e.g. Xilinx Zynq) and hardware/software integration.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to lead collaboratively and support cross-functional alignment.
• Working knowledge of modern software development practices including Git CI/CD and automated testing.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment and debugging hardware is a plus.
• 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 $140188 - $175235. 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 Weve 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

To learn more about us explore our site: and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!