Staff Advanced Concepts Systems Engineer

About Capella

Capella, an IonQ company, builds trusted space systems that deliver secure, rapid, and actionable Earth intelligence to amplify decision-making for allied partners. As the first U.S. company to launch and operate a commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation, Capella provides precise, high-resolution radar imagery in any condition—day or night, through clouds, smoke, and darkness. Capella is defining the future of space-based intelligence through a vertically integrated approach that spans spacecraft design, advanced radar payloads, manufacturing, automated tasking, and low-latency delivery of mission-ready data. Capella designs for the realities of modern defense and intelligence: speed, sovereignty, and resilience. Powered by IonQ, Capella is creating the world’s first quantum-enabled Earth observation network—transforming how intelligence is delivered through innovation, speed, and trust. This next-generation architecture will provide governments and global partners with a decisive edge: the ability to see, decide, and act with confidence in any environment.

Capella was named one of Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 and is a trusted partner of the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and allied government agencies worldwide. Built In recognized IonQ on three of its 2025 Best Places to Work lists.

What Makes Capella Unique?

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 strengthens 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 to deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide.

About the Role

The Mission Architect serves as the chief payload system architect and integrator for new mission ideas, ensuring emerging technologies are evaluated in the context of real, executable missions. This role translates exploratory technologies into mission architectures, concepts of operations (CONOPS), and system-of-systems designs, acting as the critical bridge between science and technology exploration and customer-relevant mission proposals.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical acumen with strategic systems thinking—someone equally comfortable shaping future mission concepts, guiding internal R&D toward mission relevance, and representing the company’s vision to customers and partners.

Responsibilities

Mission Concept Development

• Lead the creation of mission concepts, reference architectures, and CONOPS for future space missions.
• Integrate emerging technologies into coherent and credible system designs.
• Evaluate technical and programmatic feasibility through trade studies, modeling, simulation, and system analysis.

Internal Coordination

• Lead internal advanced concept studies, prototypes, and demonstrations.
• Partner with radar, systems, and payload leads—as well as PIs—to identify where emerging technologies become mission-enabling.
• Coordinate with the Technology Transition Lead to flag promising concepts for handoff to engineering.
• Collaborate with the Technical Director to develop presentation materials, budget justifications, and investment proposals for internal and external stakeholders.

Strategic Analysis

• Perform technology forecasting and gap analysis aligned with company strategy and long-term technology roadmaps.
• Identify cross-cutting opportunities where multiple emerging technologies converge to enable new mission architectures.
• Track competitor and government R&D investments (e.g., DARPA, NASA STMD, AFRL) to inform positioning and strategic planning.

Customer, Stakeholder & External Engagement

• Serve as a technical interface with DARPA, NASA STMD, AFRL, and other government or commercial customers on early-stage concept studies.
• Support proposal development including concept papers, white papers, and BAA responses.
• Represent the company at technical workshops, conferences, and industry consortia, showcasing innovative mission concepts.
• Present future mission concepts to customers and stakeholders, clearly articulating feasibility, value, and alignment with objectives.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead a small, high-performing team of principal investigators and engineers developing mission concept studies.
• Mentor junior engineers in trade study execution, modeling and simulation, and proposal development.
• Foster a culture of experimentation, technical excellence, and disciplined risk-taking, ensuring a balance between innovation and rigor.

Metrics of Success

• Delivery of credible, well-documented mission studies with traceable assumptions and system models.
• Achievement of 6.1/6.2 contract wins and alignment of internal IRAD toward validated concepts.
• Successful transition of concepts into funded pathfinder or prototype programs.
• Recognition by customers and partners as a thought leader in mission architecture and payload integration.
• Sustained pipeline of mission concepts feeding both internal R&D and mainline engineering activities.

Qualifications

• S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or related field (Ph.D. preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in space mission design, architecture, or systems integration, including work on early-stage concept development.
• Proven ability to translate emerging technologies into executable mission architectures and CONOPS.
• Experience interfacing with government R&D agencies (DARPA, AFRL, NASA, etc.) and contributing to competitive proposal efforts.
• Strong modeling, analytical, and trade study skills; familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership of multi-disciplinary teams and ability to guide conceptual efforts toward tangible outcomes.
• 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 annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $153,636 - $194,004. 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.

Benefits/Perks

In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match to help you invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Parental Leave program
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Commuter & Parking Benefits
• Mental Health Resources
• Monthly Phone Stipend
• Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options

Equal Opportunity Statement

Capella 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 [email protected]

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/ and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!