Satellite Operations Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Satellite Operations Engineer. Location: Louisville, Colorado, United States (Hybrid)

Responsibilities:

• Lead the launch and commissioning of new satellites for autonomous operations.
• Monitor spacecraft health and perform spacecraft analysis, maintenance, and anomaly response.
• Develop, improve, and automate satellite operational procedures and engineering tools.
• Test, validate, and deploy satellite software updates;
• Support the execution of special projects and technology demonstrations.
• Participate in an on-call rotation as the first responder for spacecraft anomalies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to develop and maintain highly autonomous spacecraft operations.
• Improve the reliability and autonomy of Capella's expanding synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proficiency in Python for automation and data analysis.
• Experience with Git or other version control systems;
• Familiarity with all of the following areas and significant experience in at least one:
  • Astrodynamics
  • Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC)
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Communications Systems
  • Thermal Engineering
  • Embedded Software
  • Propulsion
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced operational environments with uncertainty and real-time decision making.

Required:

• Must meet U.S. export control requirements under ITAR.
• Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required U.S. government authorizations.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary: $110,000 to $145,000 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, location, and internal equity.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Unlimited paid time off (PTO).
• Paid holidays.
• Parental and adoption leave.
• Legal insurance.
• Home technology stipend.

Other Information:

• Hybrid position based in Louisville, Colorado, with the option to work remotely several days each week.
• Join Capella, an IonQ company, supporting next-generation space systems, quantum technologies, and national security missions.
• Work alongside multidisciplinary teams developing mission-ready satellite operations and autonomous spacecraft systems.
• IonQ is committed to providing an inclusive workplace and equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants;
• Employment is subject to U.S. export control regulations and may require verification of work authorization and immigration status.
• Background screening is required before employment.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every qualification listed.