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Apex manufactures satellite buses (spacecraft platforms) at scale for the commercial space industry. As a Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer, you will lead the design and development of electric propulsion systems for Apex's spacecraft, working from clean-sheet design through qualification and flight operations.
Key responsibilities include: architecting electric propulsion systems and defining technical performance metrics (power, mass, thermal, leak budgets); designing high-pressure fluidic systems, instrumentation, and control components (tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, solenoid valves); developing and executing qualification and acceptance test plans including environmental testing (vibration, shock, TVAC); establishing engine degradation models and performing filtration analysis; documenting manufacturing procedures, assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) workflows; collaborating cross-functionally with electrical, thermal, and structural teams; troubleshooting manufacturing anomalies and ensuring design-for-manufacturability; interfacing with customers and suppliers; decomposing SSCMAN 91-710 requirements into verification matrices and conducting process hazard analyses; conducting trade studies for propulsion components and managing the supply chain; and contributing to proposals and business development.
Required qualifications: U.S. Person status (export control access); Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electric propulsion, or aerospace engineering; 8+ years of electric propulsion design and test experience; hands-on experience with pressurized systems; strong knowledge of propulsion, spacecraft systems, and range safety requirements; ability to decompose supplier interface control documents; demonstrated experience designing fluidic systems and instrumentation; proficiency with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks); and working knowledge of clean-room manufacturing and AS9100 protocols.
Preferred: Master's or Ph.D.; experience operating leak, burst, and proof test facilities; leadership of electric propulsion hot-fire test campaigns; experience with high-voltage power systems, fluid delivery, data acquisition, thrust stands, and plasma diagnostics; and operational experience with electric propulsion in space.
Apex is a well-funded startup ($500M+) based in Playa Vista with a world-class office environment, comprehensive benefits including 100% company-paid healthcare, equity, 15-20+ days PTO, 8 weeks paid parental leave, catered lunch, and a collaborative culture.
