Signal Processing Engineering Intern

About Capella an IonQ company

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.

Capella Internship Program

Capellas 10-week in-person internship program (June 8August 14 2026) gives students hands-on experience in spacecraft development operations and geospatial technology. Interns work directly on meaningful projects while building technical skills industry insight and professional connections. The program includes mentorship team engagement and social events that support a balanced and collaborative experience. A stipend is provided to help with living expenses.

About the Role

Capella is seeking a Signal Processing Intern to join our Space Systems Engineering team in San Francisco CA. As a Signal Processing Intern youll work on cutting-edge radar and remote sensing technologies that power Capellas high-resolution SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) constellation.

This internship offers the opportunity to contribute to real-world research and development projects that advance the performance automation and scientific capability of Capellas radar data processing systems. Youll collaborate with experienced engineers and scientists on projects such as automatic target detection radio frequency interference (RFI) analysis and polarimetric SAR data analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

Depending on your interests and background you may contribute to:

• Automatic target detection supporting development of signal or image-based algorithms for identifying features or anomalies in radar imagery or RF data.
• Polarimetric analysis exploring advanced methods to extract physical information from fully polarimetric SAR data.
• Supporting the development of tools simulations and visualizations to evaluate and validate new algorithms.
• Radar Calibration supporting methods for ensuring scientific accuracy of data products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. or a senior-year B.S. student in Electrical Engineering Applied Physics Computer Science or a related field with a focus on signal or image processing or machine learning.
• Strong foundation in signal processing remote sensing or SAR concepts.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: Python MATLAB NumPy/SciPy PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Experience or coursework in SAR RFI analysis target detection or polarimetry is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently analyze complex datasets and communicate results effectively.
• Passion for applying advanced signal processing to meaningful real-world space applications

Required Qualifications

• Currently attending a degree program and available to work full time for 10 weeks outside of the university academic term.
• In their penultimate academic year or returning to a degree program after completion of the internship.
• 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

• This internship will be a 40-hour a week commitment at the pay of $39 per hour. An allowance will also be provided to support living costs throughout the program.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Capella an IonQ company 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!