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Apex manufactures satellite buses (commercial spacecraft platforms) at scale, combining software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. The company enables earth observation, communications, and other critical space missions by providing the backbone platforms that hold customer payloads on launch vehicles.
The Mission Integration Engineer – Payload Integration & Test will join the Mission Integration team, which transforms Apex's foundational spacecraft platform into the backbone of customer missions. This is a hands-on role owning the planning and execution of customer payload integration and space vehicle (SV) level test campaigns.
Key Responsibilities:
• Own the planning of space vehicle I&T campaigns and drive execution on the cleanroom floor
• Work directly with customers to develop bus-to-payload integration procedures
• Plan and execute space vehicle level environmental testing, including random vibration, quasi-static load, and TVAC (thermal vacuum)
• Plan and execute SV level functional testing to demonstrate integrated vehicle functionality
• Support space vehicle propulsion load operations for dynamic testing and launch
• Review results of coupled loads analysis (CLA) and thermal analysis for incorporation into test planning
• Travel to launch sites for vehicle integration, system checkouts, and launch rehearsals
• 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
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (electrical, mechanical, software engineers) to ensure system integration and performance
• Communicate technical concepts, requirements, and issues clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and project status updates
Requirements:
• U.S. Person status (required for access to export-controlled data under ITAR)
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of experience working on complex hardware systems (spacecraft preferred)
• Experience in satellite manufacturing or related industries (aerospace, defense, or high-tech)
• Strong understanding of space systems integration and test
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing timelines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with ability to prioritize and adapt to shifting demands
• High attention to detail with focus on delivering concise and technical review content
Preferred Qualifications:
• Previous spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload engineering experience
• Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or rideshare mission integration
• Experience working with prime contractors or government entities
• Familiarity with flight software, embedded systems, and space communications protocols (CCSDS, S-band, X-band, etc.)
