Staff Manufacturing Engineer, Spacecraft

Location: This role is based onsite at our office in Louisville, CO.
Travel: Up to 5%
Job ID: 580

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.

The Role

Capella Space is looking for a Staff Manufacturing Engineer with extensive experience in spacecraft manufacturing. In this role, you will lead the manufacturing of multiple satellite configurations from initial bus level assembly, payload in through launch base integration.

Responsibilities

• Own execution of all spacecraft assembly and integration activities, ensuring hardware is built to engineering requirements, quality standards, and production schedules.
• Develop work instructions and manufacturing processes with a focus on increasing yield and reducing cycle time.
• Lead investigation, resolution, and root cause/corrective action for non-conformances.
• Design and own large scale GSE needed for manufacturing and integrating spacecrafts.
• Review models and drawings to ensure conformance with manufacturing requirements and to increase manufacturability.
• Partners with engineering on Design for Manufacturing (DFM) to improve producibility, reduce cycle time, and minimize defects.
• Partner with supply chain and supplier base to improve material first pass yield.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in the manufacturing of spacecrafts or complex electro-mechanical systems in an aerospace or space environment.
• Hands on manufacturing and test experience
• Deep knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards
• Proficient in 3D CAD (Solidworks preferred)
• Proficient with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools

Required Qualification

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 approximate base salary range for this position is $126,887 - $158,217. 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:

• We provide 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.
• 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!