Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer

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About Capella Space

Capella Space is a pioneer in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology and space-based signal intelligence. We empower government, commercial, and research organizations around the world with high-resolution, timely Earth insights that drive better decisions - across defense and intelligence, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, environmental protection, energy, and more.

As a U.S.-based company, Capella designs, builds, and operates an advanced constellation of commercial SAR satellites in orbit today. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where our customers need them most. As a subsidiary of IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing, Capella is charting the future of Earth observation. Together, we’re on a mission to bring quantum computing to space - unlocking ultra-secure, encrypted uplink and downlink capabilities, reducing latency, and enabling powerful on-orbit analytics. This visionary integration of advanced remote sensing and quantum technology will support customers with the highest level of data fidelity, security, and speed.

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?

At Capella, we don’t just imagine what’s possible - we build it. We’re a mission-driven team fueled by curiosity, grit, and a shared commitment to redefining the limits of space innovation. Our environment is fast paced, rooted in humble collaboration. Every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of our technology and our industry. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help solve problems that others call impossible—we're the place for you. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere, and we thrive on diverse perspectives that help us move faster, think deeper, and push the boundaries of innovation. Whether you're new to the space industry or a seasoned expert, you'll find a team that values creativity, integrity, and bold thinking. Join us as we build the future of SAR—and take quantum to space.

The role

We are seeking a talented and experienced GNC Engineer to support the development of advanced capabilities for our next-generation spacecraft. In this role, you will contribute to efforts in orbit determination, orbit prediction, orbit control, collision avoidance, formation flying and system simulation and modeling. You thrive on solving complex technical challenges and take pride in building robust, high-performance systems that operate reliably on the ground and in space.

As a GNC engineer you will contribute to existing efforts within depth review of system design and software. You will take ownership of challenging new projects as Capella evolves, paving new ground on what is possible with our satellite platform. You will work closely with immediate team members and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver against an ambitious technology roadmap.

What you’ll do

  • Build, deploy and maintain flight dynamics software for spacecraft operations and/or mission analysis
  • Design and implement precise orbit determination routines for real-time and batch applications
  • Provide feasibility analyses for and drive implementation of orbit control designs
  • Develop production software using standard CI/CD workflows
  • Refine and automate existing processes
  • Assist in LEOPS during satellite launches
  • Monitor our constellation for CDMs and ensure COLA procedures are followed
  • Serve as a GNC expert to support other teams
  • Take on leadership of complex technical challenges
  • Manage existing and new relations with 3rd parties

Requirements

  • Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field is required, plus 2 or more years relevant experience
  • Expertise in orbital mechanics and the space environment of Low Earth Orbit
  • Solid understanding of state estimation/filtering and application to orbital mechanics
  • Experience with continuous integration/continuous deployment best practices
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