Senior Staff RF Test Engineer

Location: This role is based onsite at our office in Louisville, CO

Travel: Up to 5 %

Job ID: 571

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-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 deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide.

The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Staff RF Test Engineer for the Spacecraft Test team to lead RF testing of both current production hardware as well as newly developed spacecraft RF hardware. This candidate should possess a strong combination of hardware and software knowledge with a primary focus on RF test methodologies and automation

The Spacecraft Test team works closely together and collaborates throughout the company. From component production and testing to 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

Development and management of high-value component/subsystem testing campaigns

Recommend and implement improvements to testing processes and methodologies

Assist system team in development of practical and measurable product requirements

Monitor and maintain test equipment and ensure facility capabilities to support testing activities are in place

Mentor a team of test engineers and technicians

Analyze test results, and provide detailed reports to relevant stakeholders

Work with design team to incorporate changes in system design to meet requirements

Integration and test of RF components and subassemblies

Verification and troubleshooting of RF subsystems through all phases of spacecraft integration

Identify testing methods, develop test plans, and design GSE for risk mitigation and requirements verification and/or validation

Develop/maintain/improve test scripts within an existing test automation framework

Analyze test data and provide recommendations for improvements in both test quality and efficiency

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues

Conduct environmental testing to ensure performance in various conditions

Participate in design reviews and provide input on testability

Adhere to safety and quality standards

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree + 12 years related experience, or master’s degree + 8 years related experience

Extensive hands-on experience working with and troubleshooting RF circuits and/or

systems

Expert knowledge of equipment such as network analyzers, spectrum analyzers,

and arbitrary waveform generators

Proficiency in data analysis and signal processing tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB)

Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, LabVIEW) for test automation

Strong understanding of RF system architectures, figures of merit, and common

impairments

Strong understanding of RF principles, including signal propagation, modulation

techniques, and antenna theory

Hands-on experience working with RF PCB-based circuits

Experience and comfort handling and operating spacecraft flight hardware safely

Familiarity with spacecraft architecture and cross-functional engineering stakeholders

A methodical approach to testing and problem solving of complex systems

A track record of safe and effective testing of complex systems

Experience leading teams and mentoring junior engineers

Exceptional communication and presentation skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and operations

Experience operating in a contamination- and ESD-sensitive environment

Experience testing high-power RF electronics

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. Learn more about ITAR here .

Compensation

The approximate base salary range for this position is $19…