Senior Hardware Test Automation Engineer

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.

About the Role
As a Senior Hardware Test Automation Engineer on the Space Systems Development Test Engineering team, you will play a key role in developing automated test capabilities and executing verification and validation campaigns on spacecraft hardware. You will work closely with electrical, mechanical, and software teams to drive integrated test development and execution across every satellite subsystem — from power distribution to communications — with autonomy and accountability. Your contributions will directly support mission success by enabling rapid, repeatable, and reliable testing of hardware at scale.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automated test capabilities (primarily in Python) to control lab equipment, run procedures, and verify and validate hardware behavior.
• Create reusable frameworks and libraries for test automation across multiple hardware subsystems.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to design test cases that capture functional requirements, corner cases, and fault conditions.
• Execute hardware test campaigns, analyze results, and identify root causes of anomalies.
• Interface with flight software and ground software teams to ensure cohesive test interfaces.
• Document test procedures, results, and configurations for traceability and reproducibility.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test infrastructure, tools, and processes.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a similar role
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical/computer engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proficiency with hands-on hardware testing of electrical or mechanical systems, subsystems, or components.
• Proficiency in Python for test scripting and automation.
• Familiarity with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, spectrum/network analyzers, etc.) and control interfaces (GPIB, Ethernet, USB).
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in a hardware-centric environment.
• Ability to work hands-on with test setups, cabling, and instrumentation.
• 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

• Experience testing aerospace or other high-reliability hardware systems.
• Knowledge of Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing methodologies.
• Knowledge of embedded systems interfaces and protocols (UART, SPI, I²C, CAN, SpaceWire, etc.).
• Experience with continuous integration systems and automated test execution pipelines (Gitlab preferred).
• Familiarity with data analysis libraries (NumPy, pandas, matplotlib) for test result processing.
• Familiarity with data visualization or graphical interface libraries (Matplotlib, Plotly, PyQt, Grafana).
• Strong documentation and communication skills, with an emphasis on reproducibility and rigor.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $137,750.4 - $172,188. 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 provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Parental Leave program
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Commuter & Parking Benefits
• Mental Health Resources
• Monthly Phone Stipend
• 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 [email protected]

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