Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth observation intelligence and advanced satellite technologies. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most.

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible. 

What Makes Capella Unique?

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed.  We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech.

About the Role & Team

In this position you will be a key member of the spacecraft team at Capella. The spacecraft team is responsible for the design, build and test of everything that ultimately goes into space. On the spacecraft team, you will be collaborating cross-functionally with electrical design, RF systems design, flight software, ground software, mechanical, and spacecraft operations teams. You will have significant responsibility and autonomy to deliver product while working on design, test, and production.

Capella is looking for an energetic electrical hardware design engineer with experience in designing, testing, and troubleshooting complex systems down to the component level. This position will be a lead sustaining engineering role, responsible for the delivery of functioning electronics for the spacecraft production line. Responsibilities include design improvement, schematic capture, layout, design verification testing, demand planning, resource allocation, volume production, manufacturing acceptance testing, electronics debug and system integration. This lead will also have opportunities to work with and mentor junior electrical and test engineers.  The deliverable electronics will include pieces of all subsystems in the satellite, leading to a wide exposure to different technologies and challenges.

Qualifications – not all expected.

  • 5+ years of experience designing, testing, and troubleshooting complex board designs and systems in a hardware R&D lab environment
  • Understanding of hardware evaluation methodologies, including development of test cases/suites, performance analysis, test automation, and data analysis
  • Extensive experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, thermal chambers, and other test equipment
  • Experience with I2C, SPI, PCIe, USB, etc.
  • Experience designing modern analog and digital electronics
  • Experience in PCB schematic capture & layout
  • Experience with Altium designer tools or other similar electronic CAD tools
  • Experience designing high reliability systems
  • Knowledge of the PCBA fabrication and assembly process
  • Familiarity with PLM tools and strong revision control practices
  • Excellent design and manufacturing documentation skills with attention to detail
  • Experience working with contract manufacturers to procure components, work through issues, and successfully assemble PCBAs
  • Ability to work autonomously by determining and evaluating different courses of action independently
  • Strong technical communication skills to be used in a highly collaborative environment
  • Ability to provide guidance and technical leadership to junior engineers, fostering a positive work learning environment
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Soldering and PCB rework skills
  • Experience in C or Python or software in general is a plus
  • 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 $149,400 - $224,000. 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 Space.  

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 offer up to 100% paid medical coverage, with robust vision and dental plans, comprehensive flexible spending accounts, and supplemental health plans
  • Equity
  • 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement planning
  • Generous Parental Leave
  • Flexible Paid Time Off Policy
  • Commuter & Parking Benefits
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Monthly phone stipend
  • Daily provided lunches and stocked kitchens. 
  • Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options

Equal Opportunity Statement

Capella Space 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 recruiting@capellaspace.com

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

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