Signal Processing Engineering Intern

About Capella, an IonQ company

Capella, 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 condition—day 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 world’s first quantum-enabled Earth observation network—transforming 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 Unique?

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 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 Capella’s ability to innovate and to deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide.

Capella Internship Program   

Capella's 10-week, in-person internship program (June 8–August 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 Role 

Capella is seeking a Signal Processing Intern to join our Space Systems Engineering team in San Francisco, CA. As a Signal Processing Intern, you’ll work on cutting-edge radar and remote sensing technologies that power Capella’s high-resolution SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) constellation. 

This internship offers the opportunity to contribute to real-world research and development projects that advance the performance, automation, and scientific capability of Capella’s radar data processing systems. You’ll collaborate with experienced engineers and scientists on projects such as automatic target detection, radio frequency interference (RFI) analysis, and polarimetric SAR data analysis. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Depending on your interests and background, you may contribute to: 

• Automatic target detection — supporting development of signal or image-based algorithms for identifying features or anomalies in radar imagery or RF data. 
• Polarimetric analysis — exploring advanced methods to extract physical information from fully polarimetric SAR data. 
• Supporting the development of tools, simulations, and visualizations to evaluate and validate new algorithms. 
• Radar Calibration – supporting methods for ensuring scientific accuracy of data products. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D., or a senior-year B.S. student in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Science, or a related field with a focus on signal or image processing or machine learning. 
• Strong foundation in signal processing, remote sensing, or SAR concepts. 
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: Python, MATLAB, NumPy/SciPy, PyTorch, or TensorFlow. 
• Experience or coursework in SAR, RFI analysis, target detection, or polarimetry is a plus. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, analyze complex datasets, and communicate results effectively. 
• Passion for applying advanced signal processing to meaningful, real-world space applications 

Required Qualifications 

• Currently attending a degree program and available to work full time for 10 weeks outside of the university academic term. 
• 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 ITAR here.

Compensation 

• This internship will be a 40-hour a week commitment at the pay of $39 per hour. An allowance will also be provided to support living costs throughout the program. 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Capella, an IonQ company 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!