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Apex manufactures satellite buses (commercial spacecraft platforms) at scale, combining software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. These platforms enable customers to launch payloads to space across applications including earth observation and communications.
As Mission Integration Engineer, you will define and own end-to-end mission architecture while leading a team responsible for seamless integration between spacecraft systems, customers, and mission operations. This is a balanced role—approximately 50% management and 50% individual contributor work. You will mentor and task team members, serve as the primary technical liaison for complex spacecraft missions, and balance long-term strategic planning with short-term technical execution in a dynamic aerospace environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the mission integration team in defining end-to-end mission architecture, including spacecraft, launch vehicle, ground systems, and operations per customer requirements
- Own mission analysis capabilities across orbital mechanics, trajectory planning, and spacecraft deployment strategies while mentoring team members in advanced analysis techniques
- Serve as senior technical liaison between internal teams and customers, leading critical design reviews and mission readiness assessments
- Direct technical assessments including coupled loads analysis (CLA), thermal analysis, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and mission-specific budgets across multiple concurrent missions
- Lead payload integration activities and collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish integration procedures and technical roadmaps
- Support business development efforts by leading technical proposal development, feasibility studies, and cost estimation for future missions
Requirements:
- U.S. Person status required (access to export-controlled data)
- 8+ years of mission integration, payload integration, or spacecraft systems engineering experience
- 2+ years of leadership experience or senior technical role managing engineering teams
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- Strong understanding of space systems, launch vehicle mechanics, orbital dynamics, and mission operations with proven track record of successful mission deliveries
- Advanced proficiency in mission analysis tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, MATLAB, Python)
- Experience working with prime contractors or government entities in technical leadership capacity
- Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or rideshare mission integration across multiple vehicle classes
Preferred:
- Familiarity with flight software, embedded systems, and space communications protocols (CCSDS, S-band, X-band)
- Previous spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload engineering experience in leadership roles within satellite manufacturing or aerospace
- Strong background in system-level failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and reliability engineering methodologies
