Flight Software Engineering Manager

About Capella

Capella, an IonQ company, builds trusted space systems that deliver secure, rapid, and actionable Earth intelligence to amplify decision-making for allied partners. As the first U.S. company to launch and operate a commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation, Capella provides precise, high-resolution radar imagery in any condition—day or night, through clouds, smoke, and darkness. Capella is defining the future of space-based intelligence through a vertically integrated approach that spans spacecraft design, advanced radar payloads, manufacturing, automated tasking, and low-latency delivery of mission-ready data. Capella designs for the realities of modern defense and intelligence: speed, sovereignty, and resilience. Powered by IonQ, Capella is creating the world’s first quantum-enabled Earth observation network—transforming how intelligence is delivered through innovation, speed, and trust. This next-generation architecture will provide governments and global partners with a decisive edge: the ability to see, decide, and act with confidence in any environment.

What Makes Capella Unique?

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 strengthens 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 to deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide.

About the Role

As the Manager of Flight Software at Capella, you will lead a team of engineers responsible for developing and maintaining the software that runs Capella’s satellite fleet in space. You will oversee a dedicated segment of the existing flight software team, supporting mission-critical software development and contributing directly to the success of Capella's on-orbit operations.

This role offers the opportunity to influence technical direction, grow and mentor engineering talent, and drive high standards of execution in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. You’ll work alongside engineers and stakeholders across electrical, FPGA, systems, and ground software teams to deliver robust and reliable spacecraft software.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of flight software engineers responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining embedded software for satellite systems.
• Collaborate with peers and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration between hardware and software components.
• Establish and uphold engineering best practices, including code reviews, automated testing, documentation, and design reviews.
• Mentor engineers through technical challenges, performance feedback, and career development.
• Support architectural discussions, software planning, and trade studies within the team’s scope of responsibility.
• Drive consistent and timely execution of project milestones and deliverables.
• Facilitate strong communication across engineering disciplines and ensure software solutions meet mission and system-level requirements.
• Contribute to hiring, onboarding, and team growth efforts as Capella scales.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Experience managing or leading software engineering teams, particularly within embedded systems or aerospace domains.
• Strong foundation in real-time embedded systems, including experience with bare-metal or RTOS environments.
• Proficiency in C and C++ (C++ experience highly preferred); experience with scripting languages such as Python or shell scripting.
• Familiarity with embedded Linux, Linux kernel modules, and development tools.
• Experience with microcontrollers and SoCs (e.g., Xilinx Zynq) and hardware/software integration.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to lead collaboratively and support cross-functional alignment.
• Working knowledge of modern software development practices including Git, CI/CD, and automated testing.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment and debugging hardware 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 $140,188 - $175,235. 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.

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
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match to help you 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 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 LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!