Senior GNC Engineer - ADCS & Propulsion

About Capella

Capella, an IonQ company, spans national security, advanced sensing, and next-generation compute to deliver secure, mission-ready intelligence. Capella’s culture is built on collaboration, rigorous engineering, and a shared commitment to delivering solutions that strengthens global stability and security. Team members work side-by-side with some of the most innovative minds in space systems, quantum-enabled technologies, and mission-critical operations. Capella values curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to tackle hard problems with precision and creativity. Capella welcomes and encourages applicants whose perspectives are historically underrepresented in technology, national security, and aerospace. No prior space experience is required.  Diverse viewpoints strengthen Capella’s ability to innovate and to deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide. 

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?

Capella, an IonQ company, spans national security, advanced sensing, and next-generation compute to deliver secure, mission-ready intelligence. Capella’s culture is built on collaboration, rigorous engineering, and a shared commitment to delivering solutions that strengthens global stability and security. Team members work side-by-side with some of the most innovative minds in space systems, quantum-enabled technologies, and mission-critical operations. Capella values curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to tackle hard problems with precision and creativity. Capella welcomes and encourages applicants whose perspectives are historically underrepresented in technology, national security, and aerospace. No prior space experience is required.  Diverse viewpoints strengthen Capella’s ability to innovate and to deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide. 

About the Role 

As an Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) and Propulsion Engineer, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of the ADCS and propulsion subsystems for a constellation of radar imaging spacecraft. You will serve as a cognizant engineer for Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) hardware and software. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers to ensure existing spacecraft meet their mission objectives and to design and develop next-generation systems. Your work will have a direct impact on spacecraft performance and the overall technical success of Capella.

This role sits in the Space Systems organization, alongside systems, thermal, electrical/harnessing, mechanical/deployables, radar/communications, and flight software engineers.

Role Responsibilities:

• Support ADCS and Propulsion systems for a constellation of spacecraft through the entire lifecycle: design, build, testing, on-orbit operations, and decommissioning.
• Generate ADCS and Propulsion systems performance requirements to satisfy high-level mission objectives.
• Perform research and development for new spacecraft, working from first principles to develop and execute trade studies, conduct system sizing and design, and present at design reviews.
• Design and implement state estimators and control algorithms for the localization and pointing of radar-imaging spacecraft; be a technical authority on control theory.
• Develop software to automate workflows, support design studies, and enhance spacecraft operational efficiency.
• Develop software simulations of spacecraft dynamics and system behavior.
• Be a subject matter expert for ADCS and Propulsion systems.
• Be a technical contact for ADCS and Propulsion vendors and keep informed of the industry landscape.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience with GNC/ADCS systems on spacecraft, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or UAVs/drones.
• Direct experience with GNC/ADCS hardware: star trackers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, torque rods, control moment gyroscopes, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, GPS, etc.
• Solid understanding of state estimation/filtering and application to attitude determination and control.
• Solid understanding of rigid body and flexible dynamics.
• Demonstrated leadership of hardware development projects.
• Familiarity with orbital dynamics and the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space environment.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following disciplines: electrical engineering, chemical or electric propulsion, signal processing, embedded software development.
• Comfortable dealing with unknowns, quantifying risk, navigating uncertainty, and handling the pressure of a real-time operating environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and cross-functionally.
• Enjoyment of learning and teaching new skills.
• Proficiency in Python preferred.

Required Qualifications

•  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 $128,656- $160,820. 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.    

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
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match to help you 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 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 [email protected] 

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/  and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!