Senior Technical Program 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.

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?

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 and Team

We are seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager to lead the planning and execution of complex, high-impact programs as well as a portfolio of projects that drive the advancement of our ground segment technology program. You will be responsible for leading cross-functional engineering teams, managing full program lifecycle execution including schedule, budget, risk, and maintaining a portfolio adjacent projects. You will serve as a trusted leader to cross-functional teams, bringing deep domain expertise, sound judgment, and a track record of delivering complex programs in the aerospace domain.

Ground segment programs includes earth-based infrastructure, facilities and operations to support the space mission. This is an exciting opportunity to join a mission-driven team and make a direct impact on major company initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Define the overall program plan for large-scale ground segment focused program, including scope, milestones, and delivery timelines.
• Align ground segment development activities with broader satellite mission operations and customer commitments.
• Drive execution across multiple projects within the program (e.g., mission planning, tasking interfaces, downlink infrastructure, data processing pipelines).
• Break down high-level requirements into projects/workstreams
• Establish success criteria for operational readiness and customer delivery.
• Coordinate across engineering disciplines (Satellite Ops, Tasking, Platform applications, SAR processing).
• Own and maintain the integrated master schedule (IMS)
• Identify risks and lead mitigation strategies.
• Drive decision-making on trade-offs between scope, schedule, and resources.
• Guide software teams developing mission operations software, APIs, and updates to tasking console.
• Oversee infrastructure teams deploying antennas, networking, and cloud-based processing/distribution.
• Oversee the rollout of new ground capabilities into live operations
• Ensure continuity of operations during cutover from legacy systems to new ground segment.
• Document lessons learned and established processes for long-term sustainment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant engineering and program management experience with a bachelor’s degree or 5+ years with a master’s degree in engineering, systems, or a related technical discipline
• Proficiency in project management software tools and collaboration platforms such as MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira, and Confluence
• Experience with Jira/Agile management
• Proven ability to manage technical development and/or R&D scope
• Experience building and supporting ground segment infrastructure and operations preferred
• Clearance preferred. Or eligibility to obtain security clearance .
• 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 $121,929 - $161,556. 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!