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Apex manufactures satellite buses (spacecraft platforms) at scale, combining software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. The company enables earth observation, communications, and other critical space applications by providing commercial spacecraft platforms that hold customer payloads on launch vehicles.
The Launch Engineer will own complex projects and serve as the primary liaison between internal teams and launch providers while leading launch campaigns. This role is responsible for setting up company-wide processes to ensure reliable vehicle launches.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and coordinating integration of satellite payloads with various launch vehicles
- Working closely with launch providers to define mission requirements, interfaces, and integration schedules
- Developing and maintaining satellite launch plans, procedures, and readiness reviews
- Overseeing satellite transportation, handling, and pre-launch processing at launch sites
- Ensuring compatibility between satellite and launch vehicle (mechanical, electrical, environmental interfaces)
- Supporting environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC) to validate launch readiness
- Conducting system-level checkouts and troubleshooting during pre-launch and countdown operations
- Interfacing with regulatory agencies to secure launch approvals and compliance with international spaceflight standards, including AFSPCMAN 91-710 submittal processes
- Providing real-time technical support during launch campaigns and anomaly resolution
- Collaborating with mechanical, avionics, and systems engineers to optimize satellite integration processes
Requirements:
- U.S. Person status required (access to export-controlled data)
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- Minimum 5 years of experience in spacecraft/launch vehicle integration, mission integration, or launch operations, preferably in aerospace or defense environment
- Experience in satellite manufacturing or related industries (aerospace, defense, high-tech) strongly preferred
- Experience working with launch vehicle providers
- Previous launch campaign ownership
- Hands-on experience with satellite testing, integration, and environmental qualification
- Proven track record managing complex projects with multiple interdependent tasks
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and office productivity tools
- Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing timelines in fast-paced environment
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with ability to prioritize and adapt to changing demands
- Strong interpersonal skills for cross-team collaboration
- High attention to detail with focus on technical accuracy of launch regulatory documents
- Ability to work in dynamic, fast-changing environment with shifting priorities and deadlines
