Staff Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) Engineer

Location: On-site at our Louisville, Colorado office, with the option to work two days a week remotely.
Travel: Up to 5%, domestic or international.
Job ID: 576

About Capella

Capella, an IonQ company, operates at the intersection of national security, advanced sensing, and next-generation compute to deliver secure, mission-ready intelligence. Our culture is founded on collaboration, rigorous engineering, and a shared dedication to solutions that bolster global stability and security. Team members collaborate with leading experts in space systems, quantum-enabled technologies, and mission-critical operations.

Capella values curiosity, resilience, and a drive to solve complex challenges with precision and creativity. We actively encourage applications from individuals with perspectives historically underrepresented in technology, national security, and aerospace. Prior space experience is not a prerequisite; diverse viewpoints are essential to Capella's innovation and global impact.

The Role

As a Staff Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) Engineer, you will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) and Propulsion subsystems for a constellation of radar imaging spacecraft and future quantum space missions. You will serve as the primary technical point of contact for GNC hardware and software. Working closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, you will ensure existing spacecraft meet mission objectives and contribute to the design and development of next-generation systems. Your work will directly influence spacecraft performance and the overall technical success of Capella.

This position is within the Spacecraft Engineering organization, alongside systems, thermal, electrical/harnessing, mechanical/deployables, radar/communications, and flight software engineers.

Responsibilities

• Drive the full lifecycle for ADCS and Propulsion systems supporting a constellation of spacecraft: design, build, test, on-orbit operations, and decommissioning.
• Generate and own ADCS and Propulsion systems performance requirements to satisfy high-level mission objectives.
• Lead research and development for new spacecraft subsystems, applying first principles to develop and execute complex trade studies, conduct system sizing and design, and present at program-level design reviews.
• Serve as a technical authority on control theory. Design and implement state estimators and control algorithms for the localization and pointing of cutting-edge quantum missions and radar-imaging spacecraft.
• Develop custom software tools to automate engineering workflows, support design studies, and enhance spacecraft on-orbit operational efficiency.
• Build high-fidelity software simulations to model spacecraft dynamics and system behavior.
• Act as a subject matter expert for all ADCS and Propulsion-related matters.
• Serve as the technical contact for external ADCS and Propulsion vendors and partners, staying informed about industry advancements.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience with GNC, ADCS, or control systems, applied to spacecraft, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or UAVs/drones.
• Solid understanding of state estimation/filtering and its applications.
• Solid understanding of rigid body and flexible dynamics.
• Demonstrated leadership in hardware development projects.
• Familiarity with orbital dynamics and the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space environment.
• Familiarity with a scripting language such as Python or MATLAB.
• 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

• Familiarity with GNC/ADCS hardware: star trackers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, torque rods, control moment gyroscopes, propulsion systems, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, GPS, etc.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or C/C++, and experience developing software for flight applications.
• Experience managing unknowns, quantifying risk, navigating uncertainty, and performing under the pressure of a real-time operating environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team and cross-functionally.
• Enjoyment of learning and teaching new skills.

Compensation

The approximate base salary range for this position is $145,920 - $181,949. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits available on our career site.

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:

• Extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
• Stock option grants for new hires.
• 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.
• Daily provided lunches and stocked kitchens.
• Dog-friendly work environment & 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!