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Apex manufactures satellite buses (spacecraft platforms) at scale for commercial space missions. The company combines software, vertical integration, and hardware design to enable payloads ranging from earth observation to communications.
As a Senior Mission Integration Engineer specializing in Payload Integration & Test, you will lead the planning and execution of customer payload integration and space vehicle (SV) level test campaigns. This is a hands-on role with significant technical leadership and customer-facing responsibilities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the planning of space vehicle I&T campaigns and driving execution on the cleanroom floor
- Leading customer technical engagements to develop bus-to-payload integration procedures
- Planning and executing SV-level environmental testing (random vibration, quasi-static load, TVAC)
- Planning and executing SV-level functional testing to demonstrate integrated vehicle functionality
- Leading space vehicle propulsion load operations for dynamic testing and launch
- Reviewing coupled loads analysis (CLA) and thermal analysis results for test planning incorporation
- Traveling to launch sites for vehicle integration, system checkouts, and launch rehearsals
- Developing and maintaining customer system-level documentation (specifications, interface control documents, system design descriptions)
- Supporting requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities for customer compliance
- Identifying and assessing technical risks in system design, development, and operation
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams (electrical, mechanical, software engineers) on system integration and performance
- Communicating technical concepts and requirements to technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Participating in customer meetings, design reviews, and project status updates
Apex is a fast-growing startup that has raised over $500M in funding. The company offers equity participation, comprehensive healthcare (100% company-paid medical, dental, vision), 15-20+ days vacation plus 10 paid holidays, 401(k) matching (100% on first 3%, 50% on next 2%), 8 weeks paid parental leave, daily catered lunch, and a world-class office in Playa Vista with flexibility for work-life integration.
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
- 8+ years of experience working on complex hardware systems (spacecraft preferred)
- Experience in satellite manufacturing or related industries (aerospace, defense, high-tech)
- Strong understanding of space systems integration and test
- Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing timelines in fast-paced environments
- 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:
- 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)
