Capella Space Corp.
Flight Software Engineering Manager
Capella Space Corp., Louisville, Colorado, United States, 80028
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.
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.
About the Role As the Manager of Flight Software at Capella, you will lead a team of engineers responsible for developing and maintaining the software that runs Capella’s satellite fleet in space. You will oversee a dedicated segment of the existing flight software team, supporting mission-critical software development and contributing directly to the success of Capella's on-orbit operations.
This role offers the opportunity to influence technical direction, grow and mentor engineering talent, and drive high standards of execution in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. You’ll work alongside engineers and stakeholders across electrical, FPGA, systems, and ground software teams to deliver robust and reliable spacecraft software.
Responsibilities
Lead a team of flight software engineers responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining embedded software for satellite systems.
Collaborate with peers and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration between hardware and software components.
Establish and uphold engineering best practices, including code reviews, automated testing, documentation, and design reviews.
Mentor engineers through technical challenges, performance feedback, and career development.
Support architectural discussions, software planning, and trade studies within the team’s scope of responsibility.
Drive consistent and timely execution of project milestones and deliverables.
Facilitate strong communication across engineering disciplines and ensure software solutions meet mission and system-level requirements.
Contribute to hiring, onboarding, and team growth efforts as Capella scales.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
Experience managing or leading software engineering teams, particularly within embedded systems or aerospace domains.
Strong foundation in real-time embedded systems, including experience with bare-metal or RTOS environments.
Proficiency in C and C++ (C++ experience highly preferred); experience with scripting languages such as Python or shell scripting.
Familiarity with embedded Linux, Linux kernel modules, and development tools.
Experience with microcontrollers and SoCs (e.g., Xilinx Zynq) and hardware/software integration.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to lead collaboratively and support cross-functional alignment.
Working knowledge of modern software development practices including Git, CI/CD, and automated testing.
Hands‑on experience with lab equipment and debugging hardware is a plus.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, 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 $140,188 - $175,235. 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
We provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
401K Plan to invest in your long‑term retirement goals
Parental Leave program
Lifestyle Spending Account
Mental Health Resources
Monthly Phone Stipend
Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with 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, 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 recruiting@capellaspace.com
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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.
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.
About the Role As the Manager of Flight Software at Capella, you will lead a team of engineers responsible for developing and maintaining the software that runs Capella’s satellite fleet in space. You will oversee a dedicated segment of the existing flight software team, supporting mission-critical software development and contributing directly to the success of Capella's on-orbit operations.
This role offers the opportunity to influence technical direction, grow and mentor engineering talent, and drive high standards of execution in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. You’ll work alongside engineers and stakeholders across electrical, FPGA, systems, and ground software teams to deliver robust and reliable spacecraft software.
Responsibilities
Lead a team of flight software engineers responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining embedded software for satellite systems.
Collaborate with peers and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration between hardware and software components.
Establish and uphold engineering best practices, including code reviews, automated testing, documentation, and design reviews.
Mentor engineers through technical challenges, performance feedback, and career development.
Support architectural discussions, software planning, and trade studies within the team’s scope of responsibility.
Drive consistent and timely execution of project milestones and deliverables.
Facilitate strong communication across engineering disciplines and ensure software solutions meet mission and system-level requirements.
Contribute to hiring, onboarding, and team growth efforts as Capella scales.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
Experience managing or leading software engineering teams, particularly within embedded systems or aerospace domains.
Strong foundation in real-time embedded systems, including experience with bare-metal or RTOS environments.
Proficiency in C and C++ (C++ experience highly preferred); experience with scripting languages such as Python or shell scripting.
Familiarity with embedded Linux, Linux kernel modules, and development tools.
Experience with microcontrollers and SoCs (e.g., Xilinx Zynq) and hardware/software integration.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to lead collaboratively and support cross-functional alignment.
Working knowledge of modern software development practices including Git, CI/CD, and automated testing.
Hands‑on experience with lab equipment and debugging hardware is a plus.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, 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 $140,188 - $175,235. 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
We provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
401K Plan to invest in your long‑term retirement goals
Parental Leave program
Lifestyle Spending Account
Mental Health Resources
Monthly Phone Stipend
Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with 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, 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 recruiting@capellaspace.com
#J-18808-Ljbffr