Facility Security Officer (FSO) at Capella Space

 

About Capella Space

Capella Space is a pioneer in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology and space-based signal intelligence. We empower government, commercial, and research organizations around the world with high-resolution, timely Earth insights that drive better decisions - across defense and intelligence, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, environmental protection, energy, and more.

As a U.S.-based company, Capella designs, builds, and operates an advanced constellation of commercial SAR satellites in orbit today. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where our customers need them most. As a subsidiary of IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing, Capella is charting the future of Earth observation. Together, we’re on a mission to bring quantum computing to space - unlocking ultra-secure, encrypted uplink and downlink capabilities, reducing latency, and enabling powerful on-orbit analytics. This visionary integration of advanced remote sensing and quantum technology will support customers with the highest level of data fidelity, security, and speed.

Capella was named one of Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 and is a trusted partner of the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and allied government agencies worldwide. Built In recognized IonQ on three of its 2025 Best Places to Work lists.

What Makes Capella Unique?

At Capella, we don’t just imagine what’s possible - we build it. We’re a mission-driven team fueled by curiosity, grit, and a shared commitment to redefining the limits of space innovation. Our environment is fast paced, rooted in humble collaboration. Every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of our technology and our industry. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help solve problems that others call impossible—we're the place for you. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere, and we thrive on diverse perspectives that help us move faster, think deeper, and push the boundaries of innovation. Whether you're new to the space industry or a seasoned expert, you'll find a team that values creativity, integrity, and bold thinking. Join us as we build the future of SAR—and take quantum to space.

About the Role

Capella Space is looking for an experienced Facility Security Officer to hep stand up our security programs as we begin to expand our customer bases. This role will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive security program to protect classified information, ensuring compliance with government regulations by managing personnel security clearances, conducting security awareness training, overseeing access control, and acting as the primary liaison with government security agencies to obtain and maintain the company's Facility Clearance (FCL). Our company currently support DoD (USSF SDA), NGA, and NRO.

This role requires an active Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.  Previously completed Counterintelligence (CI) polygraph is preferred

 

Role Responsibilities

• Personnel Security Clearance Management:
  • Initiate, monitor, and maintain employee security clearance applications.
  • Conduct security clearance briefings and debriefings for new hires and departing employees.
  • Investigate any potential security concerns related to employee clearances.
  • Submit and manage visit requests for Capella cleared employees
  • Oversee submission of foreign contact and foreign travel submissions
• Security Policy Development and Implementation:
  • Oversee the Facility Security Clearance (FCL) requirements
  • Develop, implement, and maintain security policies and procedures aligned with government regulations, to include inside threat program (performing as ITPSO).
  • Conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability analysis.
  • Oversee security incident response procedures.
• Access Control:
  • Manage visitor access protocols and badging system.
  • Monitor and control access to classified areas within the facility.
  • Limits access to classified material to authorized personnel
• Classified Information Handling:
  • Ensure proper storage, handling, and dissemination of classified information.
  • Conduct regular document control audits and reviews.
• Compliance and Reporting:
  • Maintain compliance with government security regulations (NISPOM).
  • Submit required security reports to government agencies.
  • Conduct self-inspections and address identified security deficiencies.
• Security Awareness Training:
  • Develop and deliver security awareness training programs for all employees with access to classified information.
• Liaison with Government Agencies:
  • Act as the primary contact for government security agencies regarding facility security matters.
  • Coordinate with government security representatives on clearance investigations and facility security issues.
• Communication Security (COMSEC) custodian
  • Manages classified equipment, materials, and information in accordance with DoD COMSEC policies
  • Maintains COMSEC access list;
  • Maintains accountability of all COMSEC material; submits required accounting reports; briefs users and maintains records of initial briefings and debriefings programs and distributes COMSEC devices
  • Orders, receives, loads, and manages COMSEC keying material using the Key Management Infrastructure (KMI) and Simple Key Loader (SKL) and other devices; re-keys circuits as required.
  • Oversees the accurate inventory, distribution, accountability, and destruction of COMSEC keys and related material

Qualifications

• Minimum eight years, experience in the industrial security field to include physical security, personnel security, operations security, and classified document control
• Well experienced in working in a classified environment while managing all aspects of the classified areas (i.e., access, accountability, auditing, emergencies, incidents, reports, alarms and many other security related items)
• Experience establishing facility clearances and getting classified areas certified by DCSA
• Experience performing FSO duties for Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community customers
• Experience using security classification guides and advising program and technical team members on security compliance
• Familiarity with the drafting, coordinating, and processing of prime/sub DD254s
• Familiarity and experience with policies and application of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)
• Experience using a STE, TACLANE, and other cryptographic equipment
• Experience working with additional classifications such as Special Access Programs (SAP) and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
• The individual hired in this position must ensure currency on all required DCSA CDSE FSO and ITPSO training curriculum within two months of hire (Possessing Facilities DOD Required Training)
• Additional customer-specific security officer training may be required according to customer policies
• The FSO may travel up to 10%

Required

• Active Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility. Previously completed Counterintelligence (CI) polygraph is preferred

Compensation 

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $129,700 - $171,900.  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.
• 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 
• 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!