Component Test Engineer

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision plans

401(k) matching

Unlimited PTO

Paid holidays

Parental/adoption leave

Home technology stipend

Job summary

IonQ is seeking to expand its Spacecraft Production & Test team to develop and execute test plans for components and spacecraft systems. You will work across engineering disciplines to ensure safe, reliable hardware and software performance, with an emphasis on quality and compliance.

Open to software, electrical, and mechanical engineering backgrounds, the role requires a methodical tester mindset, problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while adhering to

Qualifications

• Experience and comfort handling spacecraft flight hardware safely.
• Proficiency with electrical and software aptitude for testing spacecraft systems.
• Methodical approach to testing and problem solving of complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans for spacecraft components and systems.
• Develop and maintain test scripts within an existing automation framework.
• Perform functional and performance testing of spacecraft hardware and software.

Skills

Spacecraft handling

Electrical aptitude

Software aptitude

Testing methodology

Problem solving

ITAR/compliance awareness

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Test automation framework

Linux terminal

Multimeter

Ground support equipment

Job description

About IonQ:

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting‑edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two‑qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.

Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. IonQ’s quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.

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 strengthen 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 deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide.

Location:

This role is based onsite at our office in Louisville, CO.

Travel:

Up to 5%

Job ID:

1957

The Role:

The Spacecraft Production & Test team is a small‑but‑growing group that works closely together and collaborates throughout the company. From component production and testing to launch vehicle integration, we work hard to navigate technical and schedule challenges to deliver safe, functional spacecraft. This requires schedule flexibility during challenging times, but we seek to maintain work‑life balance in return.

This role is open to a range of engineering backgrounds (software, electrical, mechanical, etc.) and experience levels. Your ability to learn and desire to solve problems are the most important qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans and procedures for components and spacecraft systems
• Develop/maintain test scripts within an existing test automation framework
• Perform functional and performance testing of spacecraft hardware and software
• Analyze test data and provide recommendations for improvements in both test quality and efficiency
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues
• Conduct environmental testing to ensure performance in various conditions
• Participate in design reviews and provide input on testability
• Maintain test equipment and facilities
• Develop new electrical and mechanical ground support equipment
• Adhere to safety and quality standards

Requirements

• Experience and comfort handling and operating spacecraft flight hardware safely
• Electrical, and software aptitude - you're comfortable turning a wrench, probing with a multimeter, and using a Linux terminal
• A methodical approach to testing and problem solving of complex systems
• A track record of safe and effective testing of complex systems
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 2+ years of equivalent experience in test engineering or similar technical field
• Experience specifying and executing environmental testing including vibration, thermal, TVAC
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and operations
• Experience operating in a contamination‑and ESD‑sensitive environment
• Familiar with scripting/automation using Python

The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.

Wage Transparency

$80,000 — $105,000 USD

Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.

At IonQ

At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

US Technical Jobs.

The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions. Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export‑controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

US Non-Technical Jobs.

Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.