Embedded Firmware & FPGA Test 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’re 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. This visionary integration of advanced remote sensing and quantum technology will support customers with the highest level of data fidelity, security, and speed.

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?

At Capella, we don’t just imagine what’s possible - we build it. We’re a mission-driven team fueled by curiosity, grit, and a shared commitment to redefining the limits of space innovation. Our environment is fast paced, rooted in humble collaboration. Every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of our technology and our industry. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help solve problems that others call impossible—we're the place for you. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere, and we thrive on diverse perspectives that help us move faster, think deeper, and push the boundaries of innovation. Whether you're new to the space industry or a seasoned expert, you'll find a team that values creativity, integrity, and bold thinking. Join us as we build the future of SAR—and take quantum to space.

About the Role & Team 

We are looking for a talented embedded firmware (FW) and FPGA Engineer to verify and test our System-on-Chip (SoC) designs for our spacecrafts as part of our experienced team. Targeting the AMD/Xilinx MPSoC/RFSoC, this role requires the knowledge of embedded programming languages, such as C/C++ and close collaboration with the spacecraft software engineering and test teams to develop and automate tests for different configurations, from unit to system test. 

The successful candidate will have experience designing, conducting, and analyzing tests for and with SoCs. These tests range from small unit tests of a SoC internal module to system tests using RF test equipment including FPGA fabric, processor, Linux-based operating system, continuous integration. These development tests will be transferred to production by creating procedures.  

You will be involved in a variety of tasks including debug, SoC design change, hardware bring-up, test, and test support of our current systems.  

This is your chance to work with, and test high-reliability and cutting-edge System-on-Chips and algorithms deployed in our operational and future satellites! 

Role Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, analyze, and automate tests for SoC designs 
• HDL simulation, HW debug with integrated test logic, and SW-driven system test 
• Interface the programable logic with the processor system 
• Improve test coverage of SoC design for unit and regression testing 
• Develop test scripts/applications for the Linux OS (Yocto) in Python 
• Develop test software for the processing system (PS) in C/C++ 
• Develop HDL test benches for the programmable logic (PL) in SystemVerilog 
• Extend continuous integration (CI) by unit, module, and HW tests 
• Transition development tests into production by creating and documenting repeatable test procedures 
• Develop, document, and execute tests involving SoCs for manufacturing 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure test coverage and product reliability 
• Opportunity to specialize in SoC design (embedded FW and/or HDL) 
• Work with both hardware and software engineers to verify system requirements 
• Work with project managers to organize and plan the system test effort 

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience working with SoCs (programmable logic and processing system) 
• Experience writing embedded FW (C/C++ preferred) 
• Experience planning, writing, and automating tests using a scripting language (Python, bash, etc.) 
• Knowledge of Linux-based operating systems including boot loader 
• Knowledge of FPGA fabric and interfacing to the processor (AXI) 
• Basic knowledge of HDL (SystemVerilog preferred) 
• Experience with SoC development tools (Vitis/Vivado preferred) 
• Experience using revision control software (Git preferred) 
• Comfortable using lab test equipment 
• 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. 

Nice To Have

• Knowledge of Yocto build system
• Experience with Gitlab CI/CD 
• Experience with Docker 
• Experience with HDL simulation tools (Questasim/Modelsim preferred) 
• Experience with UVM 
• Experience designing for space environments is a plus 

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $96,000 - $127,000. 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  
• 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!