Senior Propulsion Engineer

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 seasoned spacecraft Electric Propulsion Engineer to join our closely integrated team, driving the development of our propulsion systems to meet the requirements of our spacecraft bus. You will have the opportunity to approach this from a clean-sheet design, guiding propulsion system architecture, integration, and testing to ensure optimal performance.

Responsibilities:

• Design electric propulsion system architecture, develop product specifications, and maintain Technical Performance Metrics (TPMs) including power and mass budgets.

• Define placement and integration of an electric propulsion system architecture

• Documenting and maintaining detailed work instructions, process flow diagrams, assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) procedures for manufacturing operations.

• Establish engine degradation model, perform filtration analysis, and demonstrate compliance to dedicated propulsion budgets (leak, power, thermal, etc.)

• Design high pressure fluidic systems, fluid system instrumentation, and control components (i.e. tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves, etc.)

• Develop qualification and acceptance test plans and support said tests per approved procedures. Testing includes environmental testing such as vibration, shock, and TVAC.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate propulsion systems with other subsystems (e.g., electrical, thermal, structure).

• Troubleshoot anomalies that arise during manufacturing, lead investigation efforts, and ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) approaches are followed during all stages of development

• Directly interface with customer/supplier relationships, conduct analyses, and provide support (either virtual or onsite) as necessary.

• Decompose SSCMAN 91-710 document into Requirements Verification Matrix (RVM), tailor requirements as necessary, and conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) for internal personnel and facility safety.

• Conduct trade studies for electric propulsion components and suppliers, work with supply chain on quotation process, and manage vendors in the supply chain.

• Contribute to proposals and business development efforts as needed.

Requirements:

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electric propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline.

• 6+ years of propulsion design and test experience

• Experience with handling and testing pressurized systems

• Strong knowledge of propulsion, spacecraft systems, and range safety (SSCMAN 91-710) requirements.

• Ability to decompose supplier ICDs and communicate requirements to responsible engineering disciplines

• Demonstrated history of designing fluidic systems, fluid system instrumentation, and control components (i.e. tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves, etc.)

• Experience with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks)

• Working knowledge for manufacturing in a clean environment and following AS9100 protocols

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D in mechanical, electric propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline

• Experience operating leak, burst, proof test facilities

• Experience leading an electric propulsion hot-fire test campaign including (high-voltage power and fluid delivery systems for ground test, data acquisition systems, thrust stands, and plasma diagnostics, are a plus).

• Experience with electric propulsion operations in space

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Compensation

Salary Range: $165,000 - $195,000 a year

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

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 backed by $200M in Series D 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 BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social 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 EV chargers, 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

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.

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.