Capella Space
Senior Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer
Capella Space, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
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 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 role We are seeking a talented and experienced GNC Engineer to support the development of advanced capabilities for our next-generation spacecraft. In this role, you will contribute to efforts in orbit determination, orbit prediction, orbit control, collision avoidance, formation flying and system simulation and modeling. You thrive on solving complex technical challenges and take pride in building robust, high-performance systems that operate reliably on the ground and in space.
As a GNC engineer you will contribute to existing efforts within depth review of system design and software. You will take ownership of challenging new projects as Capella evolves, paving new ground on what is possible with our satellite platform. You will work closely with immediate team members and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver against an ambitious technology roadmap.
Responsibilities
Build, deploy and maintain flight dynamics software for spacecraft operations and/or mission analysis
Design and implement precise orbit determination routines for real-time and batch applications
Provide feasibility analyses for and drive implementation of orbit control designs
Develop production software using standard CI/CD workflows
Refine and automate existing processes
Assist in LEOPS during satellite launches
Monitor our constellation for CDMs and ensure COLA procedures are followed
Serve as a GNC expert to support other teams
Take on leadership of complex technical challenges
Manage existing and new relations with 3rd parties
Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field is required, plus 2 or more years relevant experience
Expertise in orbital mechanics and the space environment of Low Earth Orbit
Solid understanding of state estimation/filtering and application to orbital mechanics
Experience with continuous integration/continuous deployment best practices
Experience deploying production software that runs on Kubernetes infrastructure
Willingness to own complex technical projects and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams
Eagerness to learn new skills, and to teach others
Proficiency in Python
Experience in Guidance, Navigation, Control (GNC), Attitude Determination & Control Subsystem (ADCS), Dynamics & Control Systems, or related space vehicle systems is desired
Experience with simulator/hardware test development and execution, as well as mission operations is a plus
Compensation The annual salary range for this role as posted is $124,741 - $155,927. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on education, qualifications, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate, specific office location and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.
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 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.
401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
Generous Parental Leave
Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
Lifestyle Spending Account
Commuter & Parking Benefits
Mental Health Resources
Monthly Phone Stipend
Dog-friendly work environment and pet insurance options
Equal Opportunity Statement Capella Space 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. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com.
To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/ and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 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 role We are seeking a talented and experienced GNC Engineer to support the development of advanced capabilities for our next-generation spacecraft. In this role, you will contribute to efforts in orbit determination, orbit prediction, orbit control, collision avoidance, formation flying and system simulation and modeling. You thrive on solving complex technical challenges and take pride in building robust, high-performance systems that operate reliably on the ground and in space.
As a GNC engineer you will contribute to existing efforts within depth review of system design and software. You will take ownership of challenging new projects as Capella evolves, paving new ground on what is possible with our satellite platform. You will work closely with immediate team members and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver against an ambitious technology roadmap.
Responsibilities
Build, deploy and maintain flight dynamics software for spacecraft operations and/or mission analysis
Design and implement precise orbit determination routines for real-time and batch applications
Provide feasibility analyses for and drive implementation of orbit control designs
Develop production software using standard CI/CD workflows
Refine and automate existing processes
Assist in LEOPS during satellite launches
Monitor our constellation for CDMs and ensure COLA procedures are followed
Serve as a GNC expert to support other teams
Take on leadership of complex technical challenges
Manage existing and new relations with 3rd parties
Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field is required, plus 2 or more years relevant experience
Expertise in orbital mechanics and the space environment of Low Earth Orbit
Solid understanding of state estimation/filtering and application to orbital mechanics
Experience with continuous integration/continuous deployment best practices
Experience deploying production software that runs on Kubernetes infrastructure
Willingness to own complex technical projects and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams
Eagerness to learn new skills, and to teach others
Proficiency in Python
Experience in Guidance, Navigation, Control (GNC), Attitude Determination & Control Subsystem (ADCS), Dynamics & Control Systems, or related space vehicle systems is desired
Experience with simulator/hardware test development and execution, as well as mission operations is a plus
Compensation The annual salary range for this role as posted is $124,741 - $155,927. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on education, qualifications, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate, specific office location and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.
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 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.
401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
Generous Parental Leave
Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
Lifestyle Spending Account
Commuter & Parking Benefits
Mental Health Resources
Monthly Phone Stipend
Dog-friendly work environment and pet insurance options
Equal Opportunity Statement Capella Space 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. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com.
To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/ and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!
#J-18808-Ljbffr