Development Verification Test Intern at Capella Space

About Capella an IonQ companyCapella an IonQ company builds trusted space systems that deliver secure rapid and actionable Earth intelligence to amplify decision-making for allied partners. As the first U.S. company to launch and operate a commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation Capella provides precise high-resolution radar imagery in any conditionday or night through clouds smoke and darkness. Capella is defining the future of space-based intelligence through a vertically integrated approach that spans spacecraft design advanced radar payloads manufacturing automated tasking and low-latency delivery of mission-ready data. Capella designs for the realities of modern defense and intelligence: speed sovereignty and resilience. Powered by IonQ Capella is creating the worlds first quantum-enabled Earth observation networktransforming how intelligence is delivered through innovation speed and trust. This next-generation architecture will provide governments and global partners with a decisive edge: the ability to see decide and act with confidence in any environment.What Makes Capella UniqueCapella an IonQ company spans national security advanced sensing and next-generation compute to deliver secure mission-ready intelligence. Capellas culture is built on collaboration rigorous engineering and a shared commitment to delivering solutions that strengthens 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 Capellas ability to innovate and to deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide.Capella Internship ProgramCapellas 10-week in-person internship program (June 8August 14 2026) gives students hands-on experience in spacecraft development operations and geospatial technology. Interns work directly on meaningful projects while building technical skills industry insight and professional connections. The program includes mentorship team engagement and social events that support a balanced and collaborative experience. A stipend is provided to help with living expenses.About the RoleCapella is seeking an Intern to join the Development Verification Test (DVT) Engineering team in San Francisco CA. This internship offers hands-on experience supporting the lifecycle of test engineering for spacecraft hardware including ground test infrastructure.You will work closely with electrical mechanical RF software and sensor design teams to learn how spacecraft hardware is tested and qualified to meet functional performance and reliability requirements. This role provides an excellent growth opportunity for students or recent graduates interested in spacecraft test engineering and hardware validation.Key ResponsibilitiesAssist in the verification and troubleshooting of spacecraft hardware (avionics RF mechanical) across various phases of design validation and qualification.Help develop and execute test plans and procedures to ensure thorough test coverage for electrical and mechanical systems.Support building and maintaining test fixtures and test setups.Participate in subsystem bring-up and testing activities both in the lab and simulated environments (e.g. thermal vacuum chambers).Assist with documentation of test results procedures and hardware configurations.Collaborate with engineers technicians and vendors to support test execution and hardware improvements.Learn best practices for testing mission-critical aerospace hardware and supporting cross-functional teams.Preferred QualificationsCurrently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Computer Science Aerospace Engineering or related technical field.Basic understanding of hardware testing concepts and hands-on experience with electrical or mechanical components preferred.Familiarity with test planning execution and documentation processes a plus.Strong curiosity and eagerness to learn about spacecraft systems and test engineering practices.Good communication skills and ability to work well within a team.Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain attention to detail in test procedures.Required QualificationsCurrently attending a degree program and available to work full time for 10 weeks outside of university term time.In their penultimate academic year or returning to a degree program after completion of the internship.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 ITARhere.CompensationThis internship will be a 40-hour a week commitment at the pay of $39per hour. An allowance will also be provided to support living costs throughout the program.Equal Opportunity StatementCapella 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 To learn more about us explore our site: and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!Required Experience:Intern Key Skills Campaigns,Abinitio,AutoCAD 3D,Hardware & Networking,Customer Support,Arabic Employment Type : Intern Experience: years Vacancy: 1