About Capella SpaceCapella 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, we’re 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 of <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90849109/most-innovative-companies-space-2023">Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023</a> and 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 Work <a href="https://ionq.com/news/ionq-awarded-prestigious-recognitions-by-forbes-investors-business-daily-and">lists</a>.What Makes Capella Unique?At Capella, we don’t just imagine what’s possible - we build it. We’re 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 you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help solve problems that others call impossible—we're 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 you're new to the space industry or a seasoned expert, you'll find a team that values creativity, integrity, and bold thinking. Join us as we build the future of SAR—and take quantum to space.About the Role As an Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) and Propulsion Engineer, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of the ADCS and propulsion subsystems for a constellation of radar imaging spacecraft. You will serve as a cognizant engineer for Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) hardware and software. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers to ensure existing spacecraft meet their mission objectives and to design and develop next-generation systems. Your work will have a direct impact on spacecraft performance and the overall technical success of Capella.This role sits in the Space Systems organization, alongside systems, thermal, electrical/harnessing, mechanical/deployables, radar/communications, and flight software engineers.Role Responsibilities:<ul><li>Support ADCS and Propulsion systems for a constellation of spacecraft through the entire lifecycle: design, build, testing, on-orbit operations, and decommissioning.</li><li>Generate ADCS and Propulsion systems performance requirements to satisfy high-level mission objectives.</li><li>Perform research and development for new spacecraft, working from first principles to develop and execute trade studies, conduct system sizing and design, and present at design reviews.</li><li>Design and implement state estimators and control algorithms for the localization and pointing of radar-imaging spacecraft; be a technical authority on control theory.</li><li>Develop software to automate workflows, support design studies, and enhance spacecraft operational efficiency.</li><li>Develop software simulations of spacecraft dynamics and system behavior.</li><li>Be a subject matter expert for ADCS and Propulsion systems.</li><li>Be a technical contact for ADCS and Propulsion vendors and keep informed of the industry landscape.</li><li>Occasional travel may be required.</li></ul>Qualifications:<ul><li>5+ years of experience with GNC/ADCS systems on spacecraft, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or UAVs/drones.</li><li>Direct experience with GNC/ADCS hardware: star trackers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, torque rods, control moment gyroscopes, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, GPS, etc.</li><li>Solid understanding of state estimation/filtering and application to attitude determination and control.</li><li>Solid understanding of rigid body and flexible dynamics.</li><li>Demonstrated leadership of hardware development projects.</li><li>Familiarity with orbital dynamics and the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space environment.</li><li>Familiarity with one or more of the following disciplines: electrical engineering, chemical or electric propulsion, signal processing, embedded software development.</li><li>Comfortable dealing with unknowns, quantifying risk, navigating uncertainty, and handling the pressure of a real-time operating environment.</li><li>Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and cross-functionally.</li><li>Enjoyment of learning and teaching new skills.</li><li>Proficiency in Python preferred.</li></ul>Required Qualifications<ul><li> 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 <a href="https://urldefense.us/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.pmddtc.state.gov_-3Fid-3Dddtc-5Fkb-5Farticle-5Fpage-26sys-5Fid-3D24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987&amp;d=DwMFog&amp;c=N_fLK0KxmM34zjMadXHMx_SQYmXWO3FX0MRVr1hBcn4&amp;r=prjnch9sxomG2ahCicblmM3m-FuPObepspoR1qvWq2I&amp;m=ExC44mBPk2emo4Fr0xPSGZN0UraQ1ZtkDTxwR7iWw5rixcFQb-Wjlv7lJcecLldz&amp;s=0lfm4LyRtFwK220WHBK11DGHWSVvVhQEcfa5G_2Nf18&amp;e=">here</a>.</li></ul>Compensation The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $128,656- $160,820. 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:<ul><li>We provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.</li><li>Paid Flexible Time Off Policy</li><li>401(k) Plan with Company Match to help you invest in your long-term retirement goals</li><li>Parental Leave program</li><li>Lifestyle Spending Account</li><li>Commuter &amp; Parking Benefits</li><li>Mental Health Resources</li><li>Monthly Phone Stipend</li><li>Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment &amp; them with pet insurance options </li></ul>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 <a href="mailto:recruiting@capellaspace.com">recruiting@capellaspace.com</a> To learn more about us, explore our site: <a href="https://www.capellaspace.com/">https://www.capellaspace.com/</a>  and follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/capellaspace">X</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/capella-space">LinkedIn</a> to see our SAR imagery!

Capella is the first US commercial provider of very high resolution SAR data. Our mission is to make timely Earth observation an essential tool for commerce, conservation, and well-being. A world that shares a richer understanding of life on our planet will be a better place to live; we contribute to that knowledge by documenting change across the globe in entirely new and powerful ways.&nbsp;

Senior GNC Engineer - ADCS & Propulsion

About Capella SpaceCapella 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, we’re 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 of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90849109/most-innovative-companies-space-2023">Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023</a>&nbsp;and 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 Work&nbsp;<a href="https://ionq.com/news/ionq-awarded-prestigious-recognitions-by-forbes-investors-business-daily-and">lists</a>.What Makes Capella Unique?At Capella, we don’t just imagine what’s possible - we build it. We’re 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 you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help solve problems that others call impossible—we're 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 you're new to the space industry or a seasoned expert, you'll find a team that values creativity, integrity, and bold thinking. Join us as we build the future of SAR—and take quantum to space.About the Role&nbsp;As an Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) and Propulsion Engineer, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of the ADCS and propulsion subsystems for a constellation of radar imaging spacecraft. You will serve as a cognizant engineer for Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) hardware and software. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers to ensure existing spacecraft meet their mission objectives and to design and develop next-generation systems. Your work will have a direct impact on spacecraft performance and the overall technical success of Capella.This role sits in the Space Systems organization, alongside systems, thermal, electrical/harnessing, mechanical/deployables, radar/communications, and flight software engineers.Role Responsibilities:<ul><li>Support&nbsp;ADCS&nbsp;and Propulsion systems for a constellation of spacecraft through the entire lifecycle: design, build, testing, on-orbit operations, and decommissioning.</li><li>Generate&nbsp;ADCS&nbsp;and Propulsion systems performance requirements to satisfy high-level mission objectives.</li><li>Perform research and development for new spacecraft, working from first principles to develop and execute trade studies, conduct system sizing and design, and present at design reviews.</li><li>Design and implement state estimators and control algorithms for the localization and pointing of radar-imaging spacecraft; be a technical authority on control theory.</li><li>Develop software to automate workflows, support design studies, and enhance spacecraft operational efficiency.</li><li>Develop software simulations of spacecraft dynamics and system behavior.</li><li>Be a subject matter expert for&nbsp;ADCS&nbsp;and Propulsion systems.</li><li>Be a technical contact for&nbsp;ADCS&nbsp;and Propulsion vendors and keep informed of the industry landscape.</li><li>Occasional travel may be required.</li></ul>Qualifications:<ul><li>5+ years of experience with&nbsp;GNC/ADCS&nbsp;systems on spacecraft, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or UAVs/drones.</li><li>Direct experience with&nbsp;GNC/ADCS&nbsp;hardware: star trackers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, torque rods, control moment gyroscopes, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers,&nbsp;GPS, etc.</li><li>Solid understanding of state estimation/filtering and application to attitude determination and control.</li><li>Solid understanding of rigid body and flexible dynamics.</li><li>Demonstrated leadership of hardware development projects.</li><li>Familiarity with orbital dynamics and the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space environment.</li><li>Familiarity with one or more of the following disciplines: electrical engineering, chemical or electric propulsion, signal processing, embedded software development.</li><li>Comfortable dealing with unknowns, quantifying risk, navigating uncertainty, and handling the pressure of a real-time operating environment.</li><li>Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and cross-functionally.</li><li>Enjoyment of learning and teaching new skills.</li><li>Proficiency in Python preferred.</li></ul>Required Qualifications<ul><li>&nbsp;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 <a href="https://urldefense.us/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.pmddtc.state.gov_-3Fid-3Dddtc-5Fkb-5Farticle-5Fpage-26sys-5Fid-3D24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987&amp;d=DwMFog&amp;c=N_fLK0KxmM34zjMadXHMx_SQYmXWO3FX0MRVr1hBcn4&amp;r=prjnch9sxomG2ahCicblmM3m-FuPObepspoR1qvWq2I&amp;m=ExC44mBPk2emo4Fr0xPSGZN0UraQ1ZtkDTxwR7iWw5rixcFQb-Wjlv7lJcecLldz&amp;s=0lfm4LyRtFwK220WHBK11DGHWSVvVhQEcfa5G_2Nf18&amp;e=">here</a>.</li></ul>Compensation&nbsp;The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $128,656- $160,820. 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.&nbsp; Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space. &nbsp; &nbsp;Benefits/Perks&nbsp;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:<ul><li>We provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.</li><li>Paid Flexible Time Off Policy</li><li>401(k) Plan with Company Match to help you invest in your long-term retirement goals</li><li>Parental Leave program</li><li>Lifestyle Spending Account</li><li>Commuter &amp; Parking Benefits</li><li>Mental Health Resources</li><li>Monthly Phone Stipend</li><li>Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment &amp; them with pet insurance options&nbsp;</li></ul>Equal Opportunity Statement&nbsp;Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices.&nbsp;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 <a href="mailto:recruiting@capellaspace.com">recruiting@capellaspace.com</a>&nbsp;To learn more about us, explore our site: <a href="https://www.capellaspace.com/">https://www.capellaspace.com/</a>&nbsp; and follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/capellaspace">X</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/capella-space">LinkedIn</a> to see our SAR imagery!&nbsp;

Senior GNC Engineer - ADCS & Propulsion

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About the Company

Capella Space

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