Capella Space
Embedded Firmware & FPGA Test Engineer
Capella Space, Louisville, Colorado, United States, 80028
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. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where our customers need them. As a subsidiary of IonQ, Capella is charting the future of Earth observation, with a mission to bring quantum computing to space, unlocking on-orbit analytics, and secure data capabilities. Capella was named one of Fast Companys 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 and is a trusted partner of several U.S. government and space institutions. Built In recognized IonQ on three of its 2025 Best Places to Work lists. What Makes Capella Unique?
Were a mission-driven, fast-paced environment that values curiosity, collaboration, and bold thinking. Every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of our technology and our industry. We thrive on diverse perspectives that help us move faster, think deeper, and push the boundaries of innovation. Whether you are new to space or a seasoned expert, youll 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
We are looking for a talented embedded firmware (FW) and FPGA Engineer to verify and test our System-on-Chip (SoC) designs for our spacecrafts as part of our experienced team. Targeting the AMD/Xilinx MPSoC/RFSoC, this role requires knowledge of embedded programming languages, such as C/C++, and close collaboration with the spacecraft software engineering and test teams to develop and automate tests for different configurations, from unit to system test. The successful candidate will have experience designing, conducting, and analyzing tests for and with SoCs. These tests range from small unit tests of a SoC internal module to system tests using RF test equipment including FPGA fabric, processor, Linux-based operating system, continuous integration. These development tests will be transferred to production by creating procedures. You will be involved in a variety of tasks including debug, SoC design change, hardware bring-up, test, and test support of our current systems. This is your chance to work with, and test high-reliability and cutting-edge System-on-Chips and algorithms deployed in our operational and future satellites! Role Responsibilities
Design, conduct, analyze, and automate tests for SoC designs HDL simulation, HW debug with integrated test logic, and SW-driven system test Interface the programmable logic with the processor system Improve test coverage of SoC design for unit and regression testing Develop test scripts/applications for the Linux OS (Yocto) in Python Develop test software for the processing system (PS) in C/C++ Develop HDL test benches for the programmable logic (PL) in SystemVerilog Extend continuous integration (CI) by unit, module, and HW tests Transition development tests into production by creating and documenting repeatable test procedures Develop, document, and execute tests involving SoCs for manufacturing Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure test coverage and product reliability Opportunity to specialize in SoC design (embedded FW and/or HDL) Work with both hardware and software engineers to verify system requirements Work with project managers to organize and plan the system test effort Qualifications
2-3 years of experience working with SoCs (programmable logic and processing system) Experience writing embedded FW (C/C++ preferred) Experience planning, writing, and automating tests using a scripting language (Python, bash, etc.) Knowledge of Linux-based operating systems including boot loader Knowledge of FPGA fabric and interfacing to the processor (AXI) Basic knowledge of HDL (SystemVerilog preferred) Experience with SoC development tools (Vitis/Vivado preferred) Experience using revision control software (Git preferred) Comfortable using lab test equipment To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR here. Nice to Have
Knowledge of Yocto build system Experience with Gitlab CI/CD Experience with Docker Experience with HDL simulation tools (Questasim/Modelsim preferred) Experience with UVM Experience designing for space environments is a plus Compensation
The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $96,000 - $127,000. 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 Space. Benefits
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. 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 & 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. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com #J-18808-Ljbffr
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. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where our customers need them. As a subsidiary of IonQ, Capella is charting the future of Earth observation, with a mission to bring quantum computing to space, unlocking on-orbit analytics, and secure data capabilities. Capella was named one of Fast Companys 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 and is a trusted partner of several U.S. government and space institutions. Built In recognized IonQ on three of its 2025 Best Places to Work lists. What Makes Capella Unique?
Were a mission-driven, fast-paced environment that values curiosity, collaboration, and bold thinking. Every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of our technology and our industry. We thrive on diverse perspectives that help us move faster, think deeper, and push the boundaries of innovation. Whether you are new to space or a seasoned expert, youll 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
We are looking for a talented embedded firmware (FW) and FPGA Engineer to verify and test our System-on-Chip (SoC) designs for our spacecrafts as part of our experienced team. Targeting the AMD/Xilinx MPSoC/RFSoC, this role requires knowledge of embedded programming languages, such as C/C++, and close collaboration with the spacecraft software engineering and test teams to develop and automate tests for different configurations, from unit to system test. The successful candidate will have experience designing, conducting, and analyzing tests for and with SoCs. These tests range from small unit tests of a SoC internal module to system tests using RF test equipment including FPGA fabric, processor, Linux-based operating system, continuous integration. These development tests will be transferred to production by creating procedures. You will be involved in a variety of tasks including debug, SoC design change, hardware bring-up, test, and test support of our current systems. This is your chance to work with, and test high-reliability and cutting-edge System-on-Chips and algorithms deployed in our operational and future satellites! Role Responsibilities
Design, conduct, analyze, and automate tests for SoC designs HDL simulation, HW debug with integrated test logic, and SW-driven system test Interface the programmable logic with the processor system Improve test coverage of SoC design for unit and regression testing Develop test scripts/applications for the Linux OS (Yocto) in Python Develop test software for the processing system (PS) in C/C++ Develop HDL test benches for the programmable logic (PL) in SystemVerilog Extend continuous integration (CI) by unit, module, and HW tests Transition development tests into production by creating and documenting repeatable test procedures Develop, document, and execute tests involving SoCs for manufacturing Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure test coverage and product reliability Opportunity to specialize in SoC design (embedded FW and/or HDL) Work with both hardware and software engineers to verify system requirements Work with project managers to organize and plan the system test effort Qualifications
2-3 years of experience working with SoCs (programmable logic and processing system) Experience writing embedded FW (C/C++ preferred) Experience planning, writing, and automating tests using a scripting language (Python, bash, etc.) Knowledge of Linux-based operating systems including boot loader Knowledge of FPGA fabric and interfacing to the processor (AXI) Basic knowledge of HDL (SystemVerilog preferred) Experience with SoC development tools (Vitis/Vivado preferred) Experience using revision control software (Git preferred) Comfortable using lab test equipment To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR here. Nice to Have
Knowledge of Yocto build system Experience with Gitlab CI/CD Experience with Docker Experience with HDL simulation tools (Questasim/Modelsim preferred) Experience with UVM Experience designing for space environments is a plus Compensation
The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $96,000 - $127,000. 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 Space. Benefits
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. 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 & 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. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com #J-18808-Ljbffr