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 Lead Systems Engineer (LSE) for Pathfinder Programs serves as the chief integrator and space vehicle technical lead for early-stage R&D efforts (Technology Readiness Levels 6.1 through early 6.3). This role ensures exploratory projects are engineered systematically, producing credible, transferrable results that inform technology transition into deployable systems.

The ideal candidate brings deep technical breadth, systems engineering discipline, and the ability to guide multi-disciplinary teams through ambiguity—bridging advanced concept development with system integration maturity.

Responsibilities

• Pathfinder Project Leadership
  • Serve as the space vehicle technical lead for assigned pathfinder or prototype efforts.
  • Coordinate across disciplines (payload, bus, software, ground, mission ops) to integrate technologies into cohesive demonstrators.
  • Chair technical reviews and ensure engineering integrity throughout the project lifecycle.
• Systems Engineering
  • Develop requirements, interfaces, and verification approaches—even at low TRL levels.
  • Collaborate with the Advanced Concepts team on trade studies, modeling/simulation, and feasibility analyses.
  • Ensure all demonstrations are instrumented and measurable, with outcomes traceable to defined objectives.
• Technology Transition
  • Capture and document lessons learned, ensuring results are packaged for higher-TRL adoption.
  • Define technology maturation roadmaps for radar and other exploratory technologies.
  • Support integration of maturing technologies into the engineering baseline for future programs.
• Customer & Proposal Support
  • Serve as the technical point of contact for pathfinder customers and external collaborators.
  • Contribute to proposal efforts, providing systems-level inputs including requirements, architecture trades, risks, and cost/schedule realism.
  • Present technical progress in reviews, workshops, and program meetings with clarity and credibility.
• Risk & Integration Management
  • Identify and track technical risks related to scalability, manufacturability, SWaP, or performance.
  • Collaborate with PIs to mitigate risks through analysis, rapid prototyping, or alternate design approaches.
  • Ensure all prototypes are designed with transition potential and scalability in mind.
• Leadership & Mentorship
  • Mentor junior systems engineers and principal investigators in structured engineering methods.
  • Provide cross-disciplinary leadership without direct line management, fostering collaboration and accountability.
  • Promote a culture balancing innovation freedom with systems engineering discipline.

Metrics of Success

• Pathfinder projects deliver credible, mission-relevant demonstrations aligned with objectives.
• Technology maturation and transition plans are well-documented and adopted by follow-on programs.
• Customers express confidence in technical feasibility and transition readiness.
• Proposals supported by the LSE result in contract awards and follow-on work.
• Demonstrated ability to bridge exploratory R&D with disciplined systems engineering practices.

Qualifications

• S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or related discipline. Graduate degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in space systems development, with emphasis on early-stage R&D or advanced concepts.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional technical teams from concept through prototype integration.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; able to distill complex engineering into clear, actionable insights.
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE), trade studies, and technical review processes preferred.
• Familiarity with radar systems, payload integration, or spacecraft bus design highly desirable.
• 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 $155,203 - $194,004. 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!