Senior Mechanical Engineer (Clearance preferred)

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.

The Mechanical Engineering team is responsible for designing and building the spacecrafts, prototypes, and fixtures at Capella. We are responsible for the full design life cycling starting from: requirement definition, concept development, analysis to validate design, drawings for production, assembling prototypes and flight articles, all the way to supporting verification testing.  Team members will get to perform a variety of exciting tasks throughout the life cycle of the project.

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be supporting the design of a major subsystem. Your focus will be satellite design, but you will also be leaned upon to help out cross functionally across different departments including improving and scaling production. Design work will vary anywhere from ground support fixturing, to electronic sub assembly packaging, to full satellite layout. Good communication is a must as you will be working with many different teams and vendors to come up with a design that satisfies system level requirements and takes us to the next level.

Requirements

• Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering; graduate degree preferred.
• 6+ year experience in a related field.
• Experience with SolidWorks CAD Software for design and analysis
• Experience creating Manufacturing Drawings with knowledge of GD&T.
• Strong understanding of tolerancing and stack ups.
• Strong understanding of RF, thermal, and power systems.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with spacecraft design
• Experience with spacecraft environmental verification
• Experience interacting with vendors and machine shops to procure parts.
• Experience with Electronic packaging including harness routing layout and design
• Experience with PDM/PLM systems
• Experience with FEA using Solidworks Simulation or similar software
• Familiarity with NASA / MIL-STD processes and how to handle flight hardware.
• Security clearance preferred
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees mu