Software Test & Automation Engineer

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 & Team 

As a Software Test & Automation Engineer on the Flight Software team, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining the Python-based test environments that verify our flight software and ensure robust performance across our satellite fleet. You will work closely with flight software engineers, ground software engineers, developers, and subsystem owners to design, implement, and maintain automated test scripts and test system features used to validate mission-critical functionality.

You will bring experience working with complex systems, a strong understanding of systems architecture, and a track record of creating comprehensive test plans. Your expertise in Python, automation, and system-level testing will ensure our flight software is validated thoroughly and reliably before it ever reaches space.

Role Responsibilities  

• Design, implement, and execute test plans to identify issues, bugs, and defects before software release. 
• Lead the creation and execution of detailed, comprehensive, and well-structured test plans and test cases. 
• Develop and peer review software test code, specifically automated Python test scripts to be leveraged in the Continuous Integration environment. 
• Perform software test trade studies such as: test management tools, continuous integration testing techniques and methodologies, software simulation platforms, etc. 
• Manage (and execute) analysis of test results and test report generation 
• Implement automated testing tools and frameworks to optimize the testing and verification processes. 
• Report bugs and errors to development teams and provide insightful feedback to assist in the decision-making process. 
• Liaise with internal flight software team members when necessary to clarify requirements or discuss testing strategies. 
• Develop requirements and t