Satellite Operations Engineer

IonQ; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Matching 401(k)

Unlimited PTO and paid holidays

Parental and adoption leave

Legal insurance

Home technology stipend

Job summary

IonQ is looking for a Satellite Operations Engineer to join our team in Louisville, CO (Hybrid). You will manage the full operational life-cycle of satellites, perform analyses, and lead commissioning for autonomous operations.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace or related field and at least 2 years of experience. The role includes responsibilities like analyzing spacecraft and developing operational procedures. Comprehensive benefits include medical, unlimited PTO, and more.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant work experience.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Comfortable dealing with unknowns and handling real-time pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the launch and commissioning of new satellites for operations.
• Perform spacecraft analysis, maintenance, and anomaly response.
• Develop and automate operational procedures and tools.
• Test and deploy satellite software updates.

Skills

Proficiency in Python for data analysis and automation

Astrodynamics

Guidance, Navigation, and Control

Electrical Engineering

Communications Systems

Thermal Engineering

Embedded Software

Propulsion

Git or other version control systems

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Job description

Location: Louisville, CO (Hybrid – option to work a few days a week remotely). Travel: up to 5%.

The Role: Capella is looking for a Satellite Operations Engineer to join our close‑knit team of spacecraft operators. In this role you will own the full operational life‑cycle: designing mission operations, executing high‑stakes commissioning campaigns, maintaining fleet health and leading on‑orbit anomaly response. As a vital member of the Satellite Operations Team, you will drive the reliability and autonomy of our expanding SAR constellation and upcoming special projects and demonstrations.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the launch and commissioning of new satellites for autonomous operations
• Perform spacecraft analysis, maintenance, and anomaly response
• Develop and automate operational procedures and tools
• Test and deploy satellite software updates
• Support the execution of special projects and demonstrations
• Participate in a team rotation to be the on‑call first responder for spacecraft anomalies
• Interface with other teams to develop and maintain a highly autonomous spacecraft operations system

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field
• 2+ years of relevant work experience
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis and automation
• Familiarity with all of the following disciplines and significant experience with at least one:
  • Astrodynamics
  • Guidance, Navigation, and Control
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Communications Systems
  • Thermal Engineering
  • Embedded Software
  • Propulsion
• Experience with Git or other version control systems

Soft Skills:

• Strong ability to communicate and collaborate within a team environment
• Comfortable dealing with unknowns, quantifying risk, addressing uncertainty, and handling the pressure of a real‑time operating environment
• Strong problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills

Required Qualification: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Capella employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible for the required authorizations.

Compensation: The approximate base salary range is $85,000 – $165,000. Final salary will be determined by education, experience, and location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Matching 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO and paid holidays
• Parental and adoption leave
• Legal insurance
• Home technology stipend

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.