Staff ADCS Engineer

Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology and signal intelligence. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most. 

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible.  

What Makes Capella Unique? 

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed.  We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. 

About the Role  

• As a spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control Systems and Propulsion (ADCS & Prop) Staff Engineer, you will: 
• Design and implement state estimators and control algorithms for the localization and pointing of radar-imaging spacecraft. Be a technical authority on controls theory 
• Support ADCS & Propulsion systems for a mid-sized constellation of spacecraft through the entire lifecycle: design, build, testing, on-orbit operations, and decommissioning 
• Be a subject matter expert for ADCS and Propulsion hardware systems 
• Generate ADCS & Propulsion systems performance requirements to satisfy high level mission objectives 
• Perform research & development for new spacecraft, working from first principles to develop trade studies, conduct system sizing & design, and present at reviews 
• Develop software to automate workflows, support design studies, and improve the way we fly the spacecraft 
• Develop software simulations of the physics of spacecraft flight and system behavior 
• Be a technical contact for ADCS & Propulsion vendors and keep informed of the industry landscape 
• Travel may occasionally be required. 

Requirements   

• 8+ years of experience with guidance, navigation, or control (GNC) of spacecraft, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or UAVs/drones, with a focus on direct hardware experience 
• Familiarity with orbital dynamics and the space environment of low Earth orbit 
• Solid knowledge of state estimation / Kalman filtering and 
• Solid knowledge of rigid body and flexible dynamics 
• Solid knowledge of star trackers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, torque rods, control moment gyros, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and GPS
• Familiarity with any of the following disciplines: electrical engineering, chemical or electric propulsion, signal processing, embedded software 
• Comfortable dealing with unknowns, quantifying risk, addressing uncertainty, and handling the pressure of a real-time operating environment 
• Demonstrated leadership of complex hardware development projects 
• Good communications skills, ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and cross-functionally, and enjoyment of learning and teaching new skills 
• Proficiency in Python

Compensation 

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $149,960 - $198,697. 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.
• 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 [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!