Job Details

Senior Hardware Test Automation Engineer

About Capella Space: Capella Space is a pioneer in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology and space-based signal intelligence. We empower government, commercial, and research organizations around the world with high-resolution, timely Earth insights that drive better decisions across defense and intelligence, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, environmental protection, energy, and more.

As a U.S.-based company, Capella designs, builds, and operates an advanced constellation of commercial SAR satellites in orbit today. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where our customers need them most. As a subsidiary of IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing, Capella is charting the future of Earth observation. Together, we are on a mission to bring quantum computing to space, unlocking ultra-secure, encrypted uplink and downlink capabilities, reducing latency, and enabling powerful on-orbit analytics. 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.

About the Role

As a Hardware Test Automation Engineer on the Satellite Hardware Test team, you will design and develop automated test scripts and frameworks that validate the performance and reliability of spacecraft hardware. Working closely with electrical engineers, FPGA developers, and flight software teams, you will help ensure that every subsystem—from power distribution to communications—is thoroughly exercised and verified before launch. Your contributions will directly support mission success by enabling rapid, repeatable, and reliable testing of hardware at scale.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automated test scripts (primarily in Python) to control lab equipment, run procedures, and validate hardware behavior.
• Create reusable frameworks and libraries for test automation across multiple hardware subsystems.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to design test cases that capture functional requirements, corner cases, and fault conditions.
• Execute hardware test campaigns, analyze results, and identify root causes of anomalies.
• Interface with flight software and ground software teams to ensure cohesive test interfaces.
• Document test procedures, results, and configurations for traceability and reproducibility.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test infrastructure, tools, and processes.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a similar role
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proficiency in Python for test scripting and automation.
• Familiarity with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, spectrum/network analyzers, etc.) and control interfaces (GPIB, Ethernet, USB).
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in a hardware-centric environment.
• Ability to work hands-on with test setups, cabling, and instrumentation.
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, ITAR eligibility required (Capella employees must be U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations). Learn more about ITAR here.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience testing aerospace or other high-reliability hardware systems.
• Knowledge of embedded systems interfaces and protocols (UART, SPI, I²C, CAN, SpaceWire, etc.).
• Experience with continuous integration systems and automated test execution pipelines (Gitlab preferred).
• Familiarity with data analysis libraries (NumPy, pandas, matplotlib) for test result processing.
• Strong documentation and communication skills, with an emphasis on reproducibility and rigor.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role is $137,750.4 – $172,188. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on education, qualifications, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience, 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

• 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 to invest in long-term retirement goals
• Parental Leave program
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Commuter & Parking Benefits
• Mental Health Resources
• Monthly Phone Stipend
• Dog-friendly work environment 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. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify ...@capellaspace.com.