Staff Satellite Operations Engineer

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. Our 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.  

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.

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: from designing mission operations and executing high-stakes commissioning campaigns, to maintaining fleet health and leading on-orbit anomaly response.

As a vital member of our Satellite Operations Team, you will drive the reliability and autonomy of our expanding SAR constellation as well as upcoming special projects and demonstrations. If you thrive on solving complex problems in a fast-paced environment and want to have a direct hand in the success of a growing fleet, we want you at Capella.

• →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

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field
• 4+ 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

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.

• 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

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!