Senior Manager

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 & Team

We are looking for an experienced technical Manager for our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team. In this role you will lead a small team of highly specialized engineers who collectively are responsible for all aspects related to orbit control, orbit determination, orbit propagation, state estimation and filtering, formation flying, collision avoidance, lifetime analysis and de-orbit of a constellation of satellites.

As the Manager of Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC), you will act as the technical leader in this domain at Capella. You will be the mentor and people manager while providing technical expertise and contributions to various projects within the company. You will guide the team through technical challenges, help develop the team’s skills and enable growth – taking on new challenges (such as formation flying & autonomous control) as the company evolves and our opportunities diversify. You will lead the development of a technology roadmap related to this domain in collaboration with senior company leaders and in-line with company strategic objectives and projects.

As a leader in your field, you will represent the company’s expertise related to GNC to customers and partners, including in public settings (such as conferences) as appropriate, and provide technical input into proposals.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead our dynamic Capella GNC team
• Manage and mentor engineers on the team
• Provide technical guidance related to GNC within the team projects
• Perform resource allocation across company programs
• Define and provide accountability for short-term (quarterly) and long-term (annual) team goals that support company objectives
• Collaborate with and support adjacent teams with operationalizing GNC & Flight Dynamics systems & CONOPS
• Support design and implementation of orbit determination, orbit propagation, and automated thrust maneuvering in an operational system
• Support design and implementation of state estimators and control algorithms for the localization and pointing of radar-imaging spacecraft
• Define & implement the technology roadmap related to GNC in collaboration with senior leaders and in-line with the company strategic objectives

Qualifications

• Background in the field of GNC/Dynamics for flight programs
• Ability to lead a multi-functional team through complex projects
• Comfort working in a startup-type environment with high degree of uncertainty
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to travel to Capella SF office and other locations as necessary, up to 25%
• 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.

Nice-to-Haves

• Hands-on experience in at least one of the following areas: formation flying, repeat orbit acquisition, precision orbit maneuvering.
• Experience managing and delivering Python or C/C++ projects to a production environment
• Practical or theoretical background in orbital mechanics, space system controls, and the space environment

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $155,903 - $189,879. 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!