Senior Spacecraft Test Engineer

Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology and signal intelligence. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most. 

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible.  

What Makes Capella Unique? 

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed.  We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. 

About the Team

The Spacecraft Integration & Test team is a small-but-growing group that works closely together and collaborates throughout the company. From bus build to launch vehicle integration, we work hard to navigate technical and schedule challenges to deliver safe, functional spacecraft. This requires schedule flexibility during challenging times, but we seek to maintain work-life balance in return.

Role Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute test plans and procedures for spacecraft systems
• Perform functional and performance testing of spacecraft hardware and software
• Support integration of spacecraft bus and deployable structures
• Analyze test data and provide recommendations for improvements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues 
• Willingness to mentor and teach younger engineers best test practices and technical knowledge
• Conduct environmental testing to ensure spacecraft performance in various conditions 
• Participate in design reviews and provide input on testability
• Maintain test equipment and facilities 
• Adhere to safety and quality standards 

Qualifications

This role is open to a range of engineering backgrounds (software, electrical, mechanical, etc.)

Required:

• Experience and comfort handling and operating flight hardware safely
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and operations
• Experience specifying and executing environmental testing including vibration, thermal, TVAC
• Experience with integration of spacecraft or other complex assemblies, diagnosing electrical issues using common tools and schematics, and navigating Linux terminals and file systems 
• A methodical approach to testing and problem solving of complex systems
• A track record of safe and effective testing of complex systems
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• 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 

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  Capella Space

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