Senior Staff Quality Engineer - Hardware

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