Senior Systems Engineer (Clearance preferred)

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

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 this role you will work closely with internal program teams the program customer and Capellas Executive Leadership Team (ELT). This role will report to the Senior Manager Spacecraft Systems within the R&D organization.

Responsibilities

• 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 complex interfaces including authorship and control of Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Aid in the creation and execution of system-level test strategies including approval of test plans/procedures and final authority on test result acceptance.
• Chair and present at critical space system milestone reviews (SRR PDR CDR etc.) with both internal stakeholders and external customers/agencies.
• Guide and review spacecraft subsystem designs (communications ADCS propulsion avionics structure etc.) ensuring optimal trade studies and design decisions that balance risk cost and performance.
• Provide oversight of space mission operations planning anomaly resolution and long-term operational strategies.
• Support system-level risk management activities ensuring proactive identification tracking and mitigation of technical and programmatic risks.
• Aid in the regulatory processes including orbital debris assessment spectrum licensing and compliance with international/national space regulations.
• Assist and advance company-level best practices in Systems Engineering
• Mentor and develop engineering talent providing technical coaching and career guidance to team members across disciplines.

Qualifications:

• S./M.S. in Aerospace Engineering Systems Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Proven track record in systems engineering with progressively increasing levels of responsibility and leadership.
• Proven record as a lead systems engineer on missions from concept through operations including managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams and multiple subcontractors.
• Demonstrated expertise in mission architecture spacecraft design and system integration across multiple subsystems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in supporting project management including budgeting scheduling and resource allocation with a focus on delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.
• Strong customer engagement skills with a history of leading technical negotiations and influencing high-level decision-making.
• Proficiency with Systems Engineering methodologies and tools and the ability to implement them across programs.
• Proficiency with requirement management methodologies and tools (e.g. DOORS Stell Jama) and the ability to implement them across programs
• Familiarity with NASAs Systems Engineering Handbook DoD space acquisition processes and/or relevant industry standards.
• Experience with spacecraft design communication system design and mission design
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python preferred) for mission analysis modeling automation and tool development.
• Hands-on experience with space mission assembly integration and testing.
• Experience leading/managing teams.
• Demonstrated ability and experience tailoring the application of systems engineering practices to foster a new space approach.

Eligibility Requirements

• This is an IMMEDIATE hiring need.
• Ability to work in the Louisville CO office 2-3 days/week desired. Unless work requires otherwise.
• Applicants must be a US Citizen.
• Active clearance or eligibility for security clearance preferred. e.g. Secret/Top Secret/TS/SCI.
• 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 $138468 - $173086. 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!