About IonQ:
IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.
Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.
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.
Location: This role is based onsite at our office in Louisville, CO
Travel: Up to 20%
Job ID: 1625
The Role
As a Senior Staff Quality Engineer, you will serve as the primary technical authority for quality excellence across our spacecraft structural and propulsion systems. This is a high-impact leadership role designed for an expert who thrives at the intersection of complex aerospace manufacturing and rigorous mission assurance. You won't just be checking boxes; you will be architecting the framework that ensures our hardware survives the harshest environments–and works as expected!
You will act as a strategic partner to Hardware Engineering, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering, moving beyond standard inspection to implement robust Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), advanced Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), and scalable quality processes. Your influence will span the entire product lifecycle—from design for manufacturability to final on-orbit readiness—ensuring every component meets the uncompromising standards of AS9100 and ITAR compliance.
Responsibilities
- Develop and enforce quality requirements for spacecraft structural assemblies, subassemblies, including propulsion systems, and components. Familiarity with RF SMT test or manufacturing experience (Radio Frequency Surface-mount technology) is a plus.
- Lead, facilitate, and investigate nonconformances with root cause corrective action (RCCA) methodologies (such as 8D, DMAIC, and other structured problem-solving methods). Analysis of NCRs, trends, supplier projects, and internal processes.
- Provide real-time quality support on the manufacturing floor, including developing inspection test procedures, acceptance test procedures (ATP) and overseeing environmental testing quality compliance (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC).
- Develop in-process inspection criteria, First Article Inspection plans, and final product acceptance protocols.
- Develop, manage, and support MRB (Material Review Board) dispositions and oversee rework/ repair activities.
- Implement incoming inspection process for hardware and materials, and review supplier quality escape reports.
- Collaborate with Systems Engineering to verify that critical-to-quality (CTQ) features are flowed down and verified at build stages.
- Support internal and external audits, including customer and certification audits.
- Manage supplier quality assurance activities for aerospace parts and assemblies.
- Support manufacturing readiness activities including PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and Control Plans.
- Maintain calibration, gaging, and special process control systems in compliance with aerospace standards.
- Train operators and inspectors on inspection methods, specifications, and quality requirements.
- Ensure compliance with contractual quality requirements, ITAR regulations, and ISO/ AS9100 standards.
- Support failure investigations and anomaly resolutions for hardware issues.
- Familiar with tracking and reporting supplier performance metrics (OTD, PPM, NCR rates).
- Maintain strict configuration management and traceability of materials, processes, and documentation per standards.
- Review engineering drawings, specifications, and process plans to ensure quality requirements are defined and met.
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to develop robust process controls and inspection plans.
- Support design for manufacturability and producibility reviews to ensure quality is built into critical spaceflight hardware.
- Monitor and control special processes (e.g. bonding, welding, soldering) critical to spaceflight qualification.
- Support design reviews, test readiness reviews, and customer acceptance milestones.
- Conduct supplier audits, PPAP reviews, First Article Inspections (FAIs) per AS9102 standards.
Requirements
- B.S. or higher in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or Industrial)
- 13+ years of experience in a regulated industry (aerospace, robotics, medical device, automotive, or equivalent)
- Deep familiarity with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and AS9102 standards.
- Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and operations
- Experience operating in a contamination- and ESD-sensitive environment
- Experience testing high-power RF electronics
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- ASQ certifications (CQE, CRE, CMQ/OE) are highly preferred.
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with a proven track record of using statistical methods (DOE, SPC, ANOVA) to reduce variability in low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing.
- A history of mentoring mid-level engineers and developing internal training curricula that raised the overall "Quality IQ" of a production team.
The approximate base salary range for this position is $145,920 - $191,047. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits available on our career site.
Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.
At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.
We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions. Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.
US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.
If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!
