Component Test Engineer

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 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.

Location: This role is based onsite at our office in Louisville, CO.
Travel: Up to 5%
Job ID: 1957

The Role:

The Spacecraft Production & Test team is a small-but-growing group that works closely together and collaborates throughout the company. From component production and testing to launch vehicle integration, we work hard to navigate technical and schedule challenges to deliver safe, functional spacecraft. This requires schedule flexibility during challenging times, but we seek to maintain work-life balance in return.

This role is open to a range of engineering backgrounds (software, electrical, mechanical, etc.) and experience levels. Your ability to learn and desire to solve problems are the most important qualifications.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute test plans and procedures for components and spacecraft systems
• Develop/maintain test scripts within an existing test automation framework
• Perform functional and performance testing of spacecraft hardware and software
• Analyze test data and provide recommendations for improvements in both test quality and efficiency
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues
• Conduct environmental testing to ensure performance in various conditions
• Participate in design reviews and provide input on testability
• Maintain test equipment and facilities
• Develop new electrical and mechanical ground support equipment
• Adhere to safety and quality standards

Requirements:

• Experience and comfort handling and operating spacecraft flight hardware safely
• Electrical, and software aptitude - you're comfortable turning a wrench, probing with a multimeter, and using a Linux terminal
• A methodical approach to testing and problem solving of complex systems
• A track record of safe and effective testing of complex systems
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• 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 Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 2+ years of equivalent experience in test engineering or similar technical field
• Experience specifying and executing environmental testing including vibration, thermal, TVAC
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and operations
• Experience operating in a contamination- and ESD-sensitive environment
• Familiar with scripting/automation using Python

The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.