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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 applications.
As Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer, you will drive the development of propulsion systems for Apex's spacecraft bus, working from clean-sheet design through qualification. You will own propulsion system architecture, integration, and testing to ensure optimal performance.
Key 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 propulsion system architecture within the spacecraft
- Document detailed work instructions, process flow diagrams, and assembly/integration/test (AI&T) procedures for manufacturing
- Establish engine degradation models, perform filtration analysis, and demonstrate compliance to propulsion budgets (leak, power, thermal, etc.)
- Design high-pressure fluidic systems, fluid system instrumentation, and control components (tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves)
- Develop qualification and acceptance test plans; support environmental testing (vibration, shock, TVAC)
- Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate propulsion with electrical, thermal, and structural subsystems
- Troubleshoot manufacturing anomalies, lead investigations, and ensure design-for-manufacturability (DFM) approaches
- Interface directly with customers and suppliers; conduct analyses and provide virtual or onsite support
- Decompose SSCMAN 91-710 requirements into Requirements Verification Matrix (RVM); conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs)
- Conduct trade studies for propulsion components and suppliers; manage vendor relationships
- Contribute to proposals and business development as needed
Requirements:
- U.S. Person status required (access to export-controlled data)
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electric propulsion, or aerospace-related engineering discipline
- 6+ years of electric propulsion design and test experience
- Experience 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 across engineering disciplines
- Demonstrated history designing fluidic systems, fluid system instrumentation, and control components
- Proficiency with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks)
- Working knowledge of clean-room manufacturing and AS9100 protocols
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's or Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, electric propulsion, or aerospace-related discipline
- Experience operating leak, burst, proof test facilities
- Experience leading electric propulsion hot-fire test campaigns (high-voltage power, fluid delivery systems, data acquisition, thrust stands, plasma diagnostics)
- Experience with electric propulsion operations in space
