Manager, Component Test & Infrastructure

Location: This role is based onsite at our office in Louisville, CO. Travel: Up to 10% Job ID: 581

About Capella

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 strengthen global stability and security. Team members work side-byside 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 deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide.

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The Role

We are seeking an experienced Manager, Component Test & Infrastructure to lead spacecraft component verification activities and test infrastructure development in support of spacecraft production and test operations.

This role is responsible for ensuring spacecraft components, subsystems, and RF hardware are properly verified prior to spacecraft integration while also owning the test infrastructure required to support efficient, reliable, and scalable testing. The successful candidate will lead a team of test engineers and work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Spacecraft Test to ensure hardware readiness and production success.

The Spacecraft Production and Test organization works closely together and collaborates throughout the company. From component production and testing through spacecraft build, environmental testing, and launch vehicle integration, we work hard to navigate technical and schedule challenges to deliver safe, functional spacecraft. This requires schedule flexibility during challenging times, but we seek to maintain work-life balance in return.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of component test, RF test, and test automation engineers supporting spacecraft production and development programs

Own component-level acceptance testing and verification activities for electronic assemblies, RF hardware, and spacecraft subsystems

Develop and execute test strategies, plans, and procedures to verify component performance, quality, and readiness for spacecraft integration

Drive investigation, troubleshooting, and resolution of component test failures and anomalies

Partner with Engineering to improve product testability, manufacturability, and verification coverage

Develop and maintain automated test systems, software, and data analysis tools to improve test efficiency and repeatability

Own all Ground Support Equipment (GSE) required to support component and spacecraft testing activities

Own development and maintenance of representative test beds, flatsats, and hardware simulators used for risk reduction, troubleshooting, and integration support

Manage calibration programs, preventative maintenance activities, and lifecycle planning for test equipment and infrastructure assets

Develop business cases and recommendations for infrastructure investments, test station expansion, and capacity improvements

Establish and maintain standard architecture, processes, and documentation for test systems and infrastructure

Partner with Spacecraft Test leadership to ensure test infrastructure supports current and future production requirements

Collaborate with Satellite Operations and Engineering teams to incorporate on-orbit performance data, flight anomalies, and lessons learned into component verification strategies

Establish KPIs to measure test throughput, equipment utilization, infrastructure availability, and overall organizational effectiveness

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or related technical field plus 8+ years of relevant experience, or master's degree plus 6+ years of relevant experience

Experience leading engineering teams in aerospace, defense, electronics manufacturing, or related industries

Experience developing and executing hardware verification and acceptance test programs

Strong understanding of electronic, RF, and electromechanical systems testing

Experience with automated test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems

Experience developing or maintaining test software and automation frameworks

Hands-on experience troubleshooting complex hardware and test systems

Experience designing, deploying, or supporting Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

Experience managing competing technical priorities while maintaining schedule commitments

Strong project management, communication, and organizational skills

Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment

Ability to work with spacecraft flight hardware in contamination- and ESD-sensitive environments

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with spacecraft, launch vehicle, or aerospace hardware development programs

Experience leading component test, integration, or verification organizations

Experience with RF testing, communications systems, or radar systems

Experience developing flatsats, hardware simulators, or representative spacecraft test beds

Experience managing calibration systems and laboratory assets

Knowledge of spacecraft subsystem architectures and on-orbit operations

Experience scaling test infrastructure to support production environments

Familiarity with environmental testing including vibration, thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and EMI/EMC testing

Required Qualification

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.

Compensation

The approximate base salary range for this position is $ 145,920 - $ 181,949 . The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits available on our career site.

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.

Stock option grants for new hires

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 recruiting@capellaspace.com

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