Senior Manager, Development Test Engineering

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 & Team 

We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Senior Manager for our Development Test Engineering team to lead and oversee our satellite development testing. The Design Verification Engineering team is responsible for the verification and validation of requirements for our next generation components, subsystems and satellites.  

Role Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Management
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of test engineers in the design, execution, and evaluation of test programs for aerospace systems.
  • Define performance objectives, monitor team progress, and conduct performance reviews.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the design verification engineering team. 

• Test Strategy, Architecture, & Planning
  • Develop our approach and architect our design verification and qualification testing infrastructure.  
  • Develop and implement comprehensive test strategies to ensure product safety, quality, and compliance with industry standards.
  • Oversee the creation and execution of test plans, test cases, and test reports for both hardware and software systems.
  • Ensure test activities align with project timelines, performance metrics, and quality requirements. 

• Test Execution & Oversight
  • Lead the execution of complex testing processes, including environmental, structural, and flight testing, to validate system performance.
  • Ensure adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Analyze test data and oversee the identification and resolution of test failures or discrepancies.
  • Ensure detailed documentation of all test procedures, results, and compliance records.  

• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with engineering teams, including design, systems, and manufacturing, to define test requirements and refine product specifications.
  • Provide technical guidance and act as the key point of contact for all test-related issues throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Coordinate with key stakeholders to develop our acceptance testing approach and transition to production. 

• Continuous Improvement
  • Drive continuous improvement in testing processes, methodologies, and tools.
  • Implement best practices for risk management, failure analysis, and reliability testing. 

Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience
  • 10+ years of experience testing complex high-reliability systems, such as aircraft, spacecraft, automotive, military or medical systems, including 5+ years in a leadership or management role.
  • Hands-on experience with a wide range of complex test equipment and tools (e.g., vibration testing systems, thermal/TVAC chambers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc)
  • Experience with test automation and the use of software tools for data acquisition and analysis.
• Skills
  • Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to drive results in a cross-functional environment.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact with executives, customers, and team members.
  • First-principles approach to problem solving and debugging of complex systems.
  • Proficiency in data analysis, reporting tools, and software used in aerospace testing.
  • Knowledge of risk management and failure analysis techniques. 
• Desirable Attributes
  • Experience implementing and tailoring testing to space standards such as SMC-S-016, GSFC-STD-7000, AFSPCMAN 91-710, etc.
  • Experience in software testing for embedded systems and avionics.
  • Familiarity with digital and analog electronics, embedded systems, and control systems
• 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 annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $173,671 - $230,114. 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.
• 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!