Senior Mechanical Engineer (Clearance preferred)

About Capella

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

Capella an IonQ company spans national security advanced sensing and next-generation compute to deliver secure mission-ready intelligence. Capellas culture is built on collaboration rigorous engineering and a shared commitment to delivering solutions that strengthens 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 Capellas ability to innovate and to deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide.

About the Role

The Mechanical Engineering team is responsible for designing and building the spacecrafts prototypes and fixtures at Capella. We are responsible for the full design life cycling starting from: requirement definition concept development analysis to validate design drawings for production assembling prototypes and flight articles all the way to supporting verification testing. Team members will get to perform a variety of exciting tasks throughout the life cycle of the project.

As a Mechanical Engineer you will be supporting the design of a major subsystem. Your focus will be satellite design but you will also be leaned upon to help out cross functionally across different departments including improving and scaling production. Design work will vary anywhere from ground support fixturing to electronic sub assembly packaging to full satellite layout. Good communication is a must as you will be working with many different teams and vendors to come up with a design that satisfies system level requirements and takes us to the next level.

Requirements

• Design & Analysis:Create 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks for spacecraft mechanical systems including structural components thermal systems and electrical packaging.
• Manufacturing Drawings:Develop detailed manufacturing drawings with a strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)principles.
• Collaboration:Work closely with internal teams including electrical and systems engineers to integrate mechanical components with other subsystems.
• Verification:Assist with spacecraft environmental verification processes to ensure designs meet the rigorous standards for spaceflight including temperature vibration and vacuum conditions.
• Vendor & Supplier Interaction:Coordinate with vendors and machine shops to procure parts and ensure timely delivery of high-quality components.
• Thermal & RF Systems:Leverage your expertise in RF thermal and power systemsto ensure designs meet operational requirements and constraints.
• FMEA & Tolerancing:Conduct tolerance stack-up analysisto ensure that all parts function properly under operational conditions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering (Masters degree preferred).
• 8 years of professional experiencein mechanical design and analysis with a focus on spacecraft systems or related fields.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks CAD softwarefor 3D modeling design and analysis.
• Experience in creating manufacturing drawingswith GD&Tknowledge.
• Strong understanding of tolerancingprinciples and stack-up analysisto ensure functional designs.
• In-depth knowledge of RF thermal and power systemsand their integration into spacecraft.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with spacecraft designand development specifically related to mechanical subsystems.
• Experience with spacecraft environmental verification(vibration thermal testing vacuum).
• Proven track record of interacting with vendors and machine shopsfor parts procurement.
• Experience with electronic packaging including harness routingand layout design.
• Familiarity with PDM/PLM systemsfor managing engineering data.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA)using SolidWorks Simulationor similar software tools.
• Familiarity with NASAand MIL-STD processes particularly related to handling flight hardware.
• Active Security Clearanceis preferred.
• 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 ITARhere.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is$120000 - $150000. 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.

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
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match to help you 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 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

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