Principal RF Payload Engineer

Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices (Louisville, Colorado or San Francisco, California) or fully remote in the US.
Travel: Up to 5%
Job ID: 518

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 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.

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. No prior space experience is required. 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. Diverse viewpoints strengthen Capella’s ability to innovate and to deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide.

The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Principle RF Payload Engineer to join our RF Systems team. In this role, you will be responsible for the technical direction of satellite RF system architectures and subsystem design. As an integral part of our growing engineering team, you will be collaborating cross-functionally with electrical, software, thermal, mechanical, and spacecraft operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed RF system modeling & EM simulation efforts
• Develop system level budgets, maintaining technical oversight of system performance throughout product lifecycle
• Direct RF system architecture trade studies
• High-level direction of design validation & qualification campaigns
• Act as subject matter expert in new program proposal development
• Manage the development of outsourced components and interface with external vendors
• Provide guidance and mentorship for junior engineers

Requirements

• BSEE/Physics + 13 years related experience, or MSEE/Physics + 11 years related experience
• Experience developing RF system/payload budgets to assess margin to performance requirements
• Expert knowledge of EM simulation tools for waveguide, antenna, and/or planar component design (MWO, ADS, HFSS)
• Expert knowledge in at least two of the following areas:
• Space-based antenna systems (single- and multi-aperture, passive and active)
• Space-based high-power PA design
• Satellite communications transponder system design
• Software defined radios and digital signal processing
• Ultra-stable oscillator / frequency synthesizer design
• Expert knowledge of RF test & measurement methods
• Deep hands-on experience working with and troubleshooting RF circuits and/or systems
• Familiarity with spacecraft architectures and cross-functional engineering stakeholders
• Experience leading teams and mentoring junior engineers
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• 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 Requirements:

• Proficiency with RF/communication system design tools (VSS, SystemVue, MATLAB)
• Familiarity with microwave component assembly and packaging techniques
• Knowledge of wireless communications standards, protocols, and link analysis
• Past experience with multilayer mixed signal PCB design (Altium preferred)
• Proficiency in data analysis and signal processing tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB)
• 3D CAD modeling experience
• Security clearance or eligibility to obtain clearance preferred

Compensation

The approximate base salary range for this position is $179,087 - $223,859. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found 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.

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.
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Generous Parental Leave
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
• 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

At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all, and we strive 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.

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