Electrical Design Engineer

About Capella

Capella an IonQ company builds trusted space systems that deliver secure rapid and actionable Earth intelligence to amplify decision-making for allied partners. As the first U.S. company to launch and operate a commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation Capella provides precise high-resolution radar imagery in any conditionday or night through clouds smoke and darkness. Capella is defining the future of space-based intelligence through a vertically integrated approach that spans spacecraft design advanced radar payloads manufacturing automated tasking and low-latency delivery of mission-ready data. Capella designs for the realities of modern defense and intelligence: speed sovereignty and resilience. Powered by IonQ Capella is creating the worlds first quantum-enabled Earth observation networktransforming how intelligence is delivered through innovation speed and trust. This next-generation architecture will provide governments and global partners with a decisive edge: the ability to see decide and act with confidence in any environment.

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

As an Electrical Hardware Design Engineer youll take ownership of full-cycle PCBA designsfrom early concept to flight readiness. You will work cross-functionally with RF mechanical software and operations teams to bring high-reliability space-ready electronics to life. You will present across disciplines to help facilitate ideas product readiness and conduct reviews.

Role Responsibilities

• Drivethe full electrical design lifecyclefor spaceflight hardware: schematic capture layout bring-up test and manufacturing handoff
• Develop robust analog/digital designsfor mission-critical systems under environmental and performance constraints
• Participate and host collaborative cross disciplinary design reviewssharing feedback and shaping solutions with a team of experienced engineers
• Provide critical input to schedule planning and hardware requirements
• Lead board-level bring-up and debugging integrating firmware/software with embedded systems
• Define test plans and verification strategiesthat meet flight readiness requirements
• Play a key role in scaling up our manufacturing facilitybringing hardware from prototype to low-volume production
• Collaborate across teamsmechanical RF software and systemsto ensure seamless integration
• Mentor early-career engineerscontributing to internal process improvements and elevating the overall quality of the team
• Engage with external vendors and CMs ensuring delivery quality resolving DFM/DFT issues and ensuring on-time delivery
• Contribute to failure analysis and root-cause investigationsacross flight or test anomalies

What Success Looks Like

• You consistently deliver flight-quality hardware on schedule with minimal oversight
• You proactively identify and articulate system-level risks and drive mitigations early
• Youcommunicate across hardware/software and cross-functional gaps with confidence and clarity
• You make thoughtful trade-offs in constrained environments and justify them with data
• You show curiosity about advanced areas like architecture optimization or radiation mitigationeven if theyre outside your scope for now

Qualifications

• 4 years of experience designing and debugging
• Proficiency in Altium Designer (or similar ECAD tools)
• Hands-on experience with lab instruments (oscilloscopes logic analyzers power analyzers etc.)
• Solid understanding of digital buses (I2C SPI UARTRS422 CAN USB PCIe Ethernet etc.)
• Familiarity with board bring-up test planning and design verification workflows
• Experience interacting with contract manufacturers supporting DFM reviews and resolving production issues
• Strong documentation habits and organizational 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 ITARhere.

Nice to Have

• Experience designing for harsh environments (thermal vacuum vibration etc.)
• Familiarity with high-speed design or impedance-controlled layouts
• Basic scripting or automation in Python or C for hardware test workflows
• Exposure to radiation effects and mitigation in electronic design
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC design practices and validation
• Familiarity with satellite electrical systems engineering (propulsion (EPS) Electrical Power System (GNSS) Global Navigation Satellite System (ADCS) Attitude Determination and Control System space robotics etc)

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role is $127545 - $159432. 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.
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match to help you invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Parental Leave Program
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
• 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

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