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, 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 Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 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 lists.

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

The Staff Radar Systems Engineer serves as the technical authority and integrator for next-generation Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) architectures and technologies. This role bridges low-TRL radar research with operational SAR system design, ensuring that innovative concepts are both feasible and customer-aligned.

The engineer will provide hands-on leadership in radar performance analysis, design trades, and system modeling across current programs, pathfinder demonstrations, and advanced concept initiatives. This position is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of applied radar science and system-level engineering, shaping the next evolution of spaceborne SAR missions.

Responsibilities

Radar System Architecture & Design

• Collaborate with the Technical Director to define next-generation SAR system architectures, including waveforms, modes, antenna architectures, and processing concepts.
• Perform end-to-end radar performance modeling, including SNR, ambiguity, resolution, coverage, and data throughput analysis.
• Conduct trade studies on bandwidth, power-aperture, constellation geometry, and onboard processing architectures.
• Provide radar technical expertise and analysis to support current payload and spacecraft design efforts.

Advanced Concepts Support

• Partner with the Advanced Concepts Lead to integrate radar innovations into future mission studies and reference architectures.
• Contribute radar-specific insights to CONOPS development, mission feasibility assessments, and system-of-systems analyses.
• Evaluate how emerging technologies (e.g., GaN, digital beamforming, onboard AI/ML, and polarimetry) could redefine next-generation SAR missions.

Technology Transition

• Collaborate with the Lead Systems Engineer to package radar technologies for adoption into higher-TRL SAR programs.
• Define radar maturation roadmaps from concept to flight-qualified capability.
• Align IRAD and CRAD radar investments with evolving customer priorities (NGA, NRO, DARPA, NASA, ESA).
• Pathfinder & Low-TRL Oversight
• Define requirements, success metrics, and test approaches for early radar demonstrations (e.g., lab breadboards, airborne surrogates, smallsat testbeds).
• Ensure demos are structured to address key feasibility questions and mature technology toward higher readiness levels.
• Provide technical oversight and validation of results to ensure credibility and reproducibility.

Customer, Stakeholder, and External Engagement

• Represent the company’s radar systems technical credibility in customer meetings, design reviews, and workshops.
• Partner with the Technical Director during capture and proposal efforts, contributing radar architecture inputs, discriminators, and risk assessments.
• Build and maintain relationships with government labs, academia, and industry partners to stay at the forefront of radar innovation.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor radar engineers and principal investigators in SAR system design, modeling, and trade study execution.
• Provide radar subject-matter expertise to multi-disciplinary system integration teams.
• Cultivate a center of excellence for radar system design, fostering technical rigor, innovation, and collaboration.

Metrics of Success

• Delivery of credible, customer-aligned next-generation SAR architectures.
• Pathfinder projects achieve demonstrable radar system advancements and maturity milestones.
• Radar innovations successfully transition into funded programs supporting next-gen SAR capabilities.
• Customers and partners recognize the company as a leader in advanced SAR system design and technology integration.

Qualifications

• S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Radar Systems, Applied Physics, or related field (Ph.D. preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in radar system engineering, with emphasis on SAR payloads or spaceborne radar systems.
• Expertise in radar performance modeling, system architecture, and end-to-end signal processing.
• Demonstrated ability to bridge low-TRL radar research with operational system applications.
• Familiarity with GaN, AESA architectures, digital beamforming, and radar data exploitation methods.
• Experience interfacing with government R&D agencies (DARPA, AFRL, NASA, NGA, NRO) and contributing to proposals or technical capture.
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to guide cross-disciplinary technical teams.
• 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 annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $153,636 - $192,045. 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? 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 LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!