Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.
For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.
Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.
We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.
About the Role
Apex is seeking a dynamic, organized, and driven Senior Mission Integration Engineer to join our expanding team. As a company at the forefront of space exploration and satellite technology, Apex is looking for an individual capable of independently owning complex spacecraft analysis and serving as the primary liaison between our customers and technical teams to ensure mission success. The Senior Mission Integration Engineer is also responsible for acting as a generalist across our programs to support customer mission integration.
Responsibilities:
Define end-to-end mission architecture, including spacecraft, launch vehicle, ground systems, and operations per customer requirements
Lead space vehicle I&T planning and execution including payload integration, spacecraft level environmental test, and launch vehicle integration
Perform mission analysis, including orbital mechanics, trajectory planning, and spacecraft deployment strategies
Serve as the primary technical liaison between internal technical teams and customers
Lead execution of coupled loads analysis (CLA), thermal analysis, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) assessments.
Generate mission specific technical budgets (power, mass, data, pointing, etc)
Travel to launch sites for payload integration, system checkouts, and launch rehearsals
Work with mission operations teams to track and maintain spacecraft in its operational orbit
Lead the development of technical documentation, integration procedures, and lessons learned to improve future missions
Work with engineering, business development, and external partners to shape future missions
Lead the technical support of proposals for future missions by defining technical approaches, feasibility studies, and cost estimates
Develop and maintain customer system-level documentation, including specifications, interface control documents, and system design descriptions.
Support requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities to ensure compliance with customer needs and industry standards.
Identify and assess technical risks associated with system design, development, and operation
Perform system-level failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and support reliability engineering efforts
Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers, to ensure system integration and performance.
Communicate technical concepts, requirements, and issues clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Lead Apex technical support of customer meetings, design reviews, and project status updates.
Requirements:
U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
At least 8+ years of experience working on complex hardware systems (spacecraft preferred) or technical capture management.
Experience in satellite manufacturing or related industries (aerospace, defense, or high-tech) is strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of space systems, launch vehicle mechanics, orbital dynamics, and mission operations
Experience working with prime contractors or government entities
Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or rideshare mission integration
Familiarity with flight software, embedded systems, and space communications protocols (CCSDS, S-band, X-band, etc.).
Previous spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload engineering experience
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other office productivity tools
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or other mission analysis tools.
Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing timelines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with the ability to prioritize and adapt to changing demands.
Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively across the Apex team
High attention to detail with a focus on delivering concise and technical review content
Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-changing environment with shifting priorities and deadlines
#LI-RC1
Why Join Apex?
Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.
What We Offer For Full-time Employees:
Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference
Additional Information:
Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full-time hires are also eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.
ITAR Requirements
Apex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.