Senior RF Design Engineer

Location: This role will be based onsite at our office in San Francisco, California office.
Travel: Up to 5%
Job ID: 517

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 an experienced and motivated Senior RF PCB Design Engineer to join our RF Systems team. In this role, you will be responsible for full-lifecycle development of RF systems for space. 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

• Own new PCB designs (single/multi-layer, RF/mixed-signal), as well as and oversee improvements to existing products
• Perform board-level EM analysis
• Perform RF system modeling & simulation
• Derive product specifications from system-level requirements
• Prototype, characterize, and support design validation of new RF products
• Support complex performance troubleshooting efforts

Requirements

• BSEE/Physics + 7 years related experience, or MSEE/Physics + 5 years related experience
• Proficiency in schematic capture & multilayer PCB layout (Altium preferred)
• Proficiency in RF/EM simulation tools (MWO, VSS, ADS, SystemVue, HFSS)
• Solid understanding of RF Systems performance metrics and common impairments
• Solid understanding of common RF components (amplifiers, mixers, filters, oscillators)
• Proficiency with RF Test & Measurement equipment (spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, oscilloscope)
• Hands-on experience working with and troubleshooting RF circuits and/or systems
• Strong electronic circuit design fundamentals
• Strong verbal & visual communication 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 in data analysis and signal processing tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB)
• Previous aerospace industry experience or other mission-critical field
• Proficiency in Linux systems and command line scripting
• Familiarity with common bus protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN)
• 3D CAD modeling experience
• Security clearance or eligibility to obtain clearance preferred.

Compensation

The approximate base salary range for this position is $155,104 - $193,880. 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!