Manager, Component Test & Infrastructure

IonQ; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 146,000 - 191,000; Full time

Job summary

Capella, an IonQ company, seeks an experienced Manager, Component Test & Infrastructure to lead spacecraft verification and test infrastructure development in support of production and testing operations. You will guide a team of test engineers, ensuring hardware readiness, test coverage, and scalable processes.

The role requires 8+ years in related fields, strong RF/electromechanical testing expertise, and experience with automated test equipment and GSE.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics or related technical field with 8+ years of experience, or Master's with 6+ years.
• Experience leading engineering teams in aerospace/defense/electronics manufacturing.
• Experience developing hardware verification and acceptance test programs.
• Strong understanding of electronic, RF, and electromechanical systems testing.
• Experience with automated test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience developing or maintaining test software and automation frameworks.
• Hands-on troubleshooting of complex hardware and test systems.
• Experience designing, deploying, or supporting Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
• Experience managing competing technical priorities while maintaining schedule commitments.
• Strong project management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with spacecraft flight hardware in contamination- and ESD-sensitive environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of component test, RF test, and test automation engineers supporting spacecraft production and development programs.
• Own component-level acceptance testing and verification for electronic assemblies, RF hardware, and spacecraft subsystems.
• Develop and execute test strategies, plans, and procedures to verify component performance, quality, and readiness for spacecraft integration.
• Drive investigation, troubleshooting, and resolution of test failures and anomalies.
• Partner with Engineering to improve product testability and verification coverage.
• Develop and maintain automated test systems, software, and data analysis tools to improve efficiency.
• Own Ground Support Equipment (GSE) required for component and spacecraft testing.
• Develop and maintain test beds, flatsats, and hardware simulators for risk reduction and integration support.
• Manage calibration programs and lifecycle planning for test equipment and infrastructure assets.
• Develop business cases for infrastructure investments and capacity improvements.
• Establish standard architecture, processes, and documentation for test systems and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with Spacecraft Test leadership to meet current and future production needs.
• Incorporate on-orbit data and lessons learned into verification strategies.
• Establish KPIs to measure test throughput and equipment utilization.

Skills

Hardware verification

RF testing

Test automation

GSE design

Leadership

Project management

Troubleshooting

Electrical systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems/Physics

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Automated test equipment

Data acquisition systems

Test software

GSE deployment

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.

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-byside 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 10%

Job ID

1705

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Manager, Component Test & Infrastructure to lead spacecraft component verification activities and test infrastructure development in support of spacecraft production and test operations. This role is responsible for ensuring spacecraft components, subsystems, and RF hardware are properly verified prior to spacecraft integration while also owning the test infrastructure required to support efficient, reliable, and scalable testing. The successful candidate will lead a team of test engineers and work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Spacecraft Test to ensure hardware readiness and production success. The Spacecraft Production and Test organization works closely together and collaborates throughout the company. From component production and testing through spacecraft build, environmental testing, and 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of component test, RF test, and test automation engineers supporting spacecraft production and development programs
• Own component-level acceptance testing and verification activities for electronic assemblies, RF hardware, and spacecraft subsystems
• Develop and execute test strategies, plans, and procedures to verify component performance, quality, and readiness for spacecraft integration
• Drive investigation, troubleshooting, and resolution of component test failures and anomalies
• Partner with Engineering to improve product testability, manufacturability, and verification coverage
• Develop and maintain automated test systems, software, and data analysis tools to improve test efficiency and repeatability
• Own all Ground Support Equipment (GSE) required to support component and spacecraft testing activities
• Own development and maintenance of representative test beds, flatsats, and hardware simulators used for risk reduction, troubleshooting, and integration support
• Manage calibration programs, preventative maintenance activities, and lifecycle planning for test equipment and infrastructure assets
• Develop business cases and recommendations for infrastructure investments, test station expansion, and capacity improvements
• Establish and maintain standard architecture, processes, and documentation for test systems and infrastructure
• Partner with Spacecraft Test leadership to ensure test infrastructure supports current and future production requirements
• Collaborate with Satellite Operations and Engineering teams to incorporate on-orbit performance data, flight anomalies, and lessons learned into component verification strategies
• Establish KPIs to measure test throughput, equipment utilization, infrastructure availability, and overall organizational effectiveness

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or related technical field plus 8+ years of relevant experience, or master's degree plus 6+ years of relevant experience
• Experience leading engineering teams in aerospace, defense, electronics manufacturing, or related industries
• Experience developing and executing hardware verification and acceptance test programs
• Strong understanding of electronic, RF, and electromechanical systems testing
• Experience with automated test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems
• Experience developing or maintaining test software and automation frameworks
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting complex hardware and test systems
• Experience designing, deploying, or supporting Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
• Experience managing competing technical priorities while maintaining schedule commitments
• Strong project management, communication, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work with spacecraft flight hardware in contamination- and ESD-sensitive environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with spacecraft, launch vehicle, or aerospace hardware development programs
• Experience leading component test, integration, or verification organizations
• Experience with RF testing, communications systems, or radar systems
• Experience developing flatsats, hardware simulators, or representative spacecraft test beds
• Experience managing calibration systems and laboratory assets
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystem architectures and on-orbit operations
• Experience scaling test infrastructure to support production environments
• Familiarity with environmental testing including vibration, thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and EMI/EMC testing

Required Qualification

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 approximate base salary range for this position is $145,920 - $191,047. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits available on our career site. 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, 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.

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.