Satellite Operations Engineer

Location: This role is based onsite at our office in Louisville, CO with the option to work a few days remotely. 
Travel: Up to 5%
Job ID: 571

About Capella

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

The Role

Capella is looking for a Satellite Operations Engineer to join our close-knit team of spacecraft operators! In this role, you will own the full operational life-cycle: from designing mission operations and executing high-stakes commissioning campaigns, to maintaining fleet health and leading on-orbit anomaly response.

As a vital member of our Satellite Operations Team, you will drive the reliability and autonomy of our expanding SAR constellation as well as upcoming special projects and demonstrations. If you thrive on solving complex problems in a fast-paced environment and want to have a direct hand in the success of a growing fleet, we want you at Capella.

Responsibilities

• Lead the launch and commissioning of new satellites for autonomous operations
• Perform spacecraft analysis, maintenance, and anomaly response
• Develop and automate operational procedures and tools
• Test and deploy satellite software updates
• Support the execution of special projects and demonstrations
• Participate in a team rotation to be the on-call first responder for spacecraft anomalies
• ·  Interface with other teams to develop and maintain a highly autonomous spacecraft operations system

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field
• 4+ years of relevant work experience
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis and automation
• Familiarity with all of the following disciplines and significant experience with at least one: 
  • Astrodynamics
  • Guidance, Navigation, and Control
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Communications Systems
  • Thermal Engineering
  • Embedded Software
  • Propulsion
• Experience with Git or other version control systems 

Soft Skills

• Strong ability to communicate and collaborate within a team environment
• Comfortable dealing with unknowns, quantifying risk, addressing uncertainty, and handling the pressure of a real-time operating environment
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Required Qualification

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 approximate base salary range for this position is $110, 300 - 145,127. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits available on our career site. 

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.
• Stock option grants for new hires 
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Generous Parental Leave 
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy 
• Lifestyle Spending Account 
• Commuter & Parking Benefits 
• Mental Health Resources 
• Monthly Phone Stipend 
• Daily provided lunches and stocked kitchens. 
• Furry friends? We’ve 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 recruiting@capellaspace.com 

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/  and follow us on X and LinkedInto see our SAR imagery!