Senior Mechanical Engineer (Clearance preferred)

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 Mechanical Engineering team is responsible for designing and building the spacecrafts, prototypes, and fixtures at Capella. We are responsible for the full design life cycling starting from: requirement definition, concept development, analysis to validate design, drawings for production, assembling prototypes and flight articles, all the way to supporting verification testing. Team members will get to perform a variety of exciting tasks throughout the life cycle of the project.

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be supporting the design of a major subsystem. Your focus will be satellite design, but you will also be leaned upon to help out cross functionally across different departments including improving and scaling production. Design work will vary anywhere from ground support fixturing, to electronic sub assembly packaging, to full satellite layout. Good communication is a must as you will be working with many different teams and vendors to come up with a design that satisfies system level requirements and takes us to the next level.

Requirements

• Design & Analysis: Create 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks for spacecraft mechanical systems, including structural components, thermal systems, and electrical packaging.
• Manufacturing Drawings: Develop detailed manufacturing drawings with a strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles.
• Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, including electrical and systems engineers, to integrate mechanical components with other subsystems.
• Verification: Assist with spacecraft environmental verification processes to ensure designs meet the rigorous standards for spaceflight, including temperature, vibration, and vacuum conditions.
• Vendor & Supplier Interaction: Coordinate with vendors and machine shops to procure parts and ensure timely delivery of high-quality components.
• Thermal & RF Systems: Leverage your expertise in RF, thermal, and power systems to ensure designs meet operational requirements and constraints.
• FMEA & Tolerancing: Conduct tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure that all parts function properly under operational conditions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering (Master’s degree preferred).
• 8+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis, with a focus on spacecraft systems or related fields.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks CAD software for 3D modeling, design, and analysis.
• Experience in creating manufacturing drawings with GD&T knowledge.
• Strong understanding of tolerancing principles and stack-up analysis to ensure functional designs.
• In-depth knowledge of RF, thermal, and power systems and their integration into spacecraft.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with spacecraft design and development, specifically related to mechanical subsystems.
• Experience with spacecraft environmental verification (vibration, thermal testing, vacuum).
• Proven track record of interacting with vendors and machine shops for parts procurement.
• Experience with electronic packaging, including harness routing and layout design.
• Familiarity with PDM/PLM systems for managing engineering data.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using SolidWorks Simulation or similar software tools.
• Familiarity with NASA and MIL-STD processes, particularly related to handling flight hardware.
• Active Security Clearance is preferred.
• 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 $120,000 - $150,000. 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!