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Apex manufactures satellite buses (commercial spacecraft platforms) at scale, combining software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. The company serves a rapidly growing market as launch costs decrease and more payload companies emerge.
You will own the validation of flight hardware from first build through system-level testing. This is a highly multidisciplinary role focused on structural and mechanical testing with strong crossover into electrical and system-level validation. You'll work across mechanical, avionics, and production teams to define testing strategies, build the infrastructure to execute them, and run campaigns that prove spacecraft in real environments.
Key responsibilities include:
- Own structural test strategy and execution across components, subsystems, and fully integrated spacecraft
- Develop and operate fluid, hydraulic, and pressurized systems, including high-pressure and cryogenic environments
- Design and integrate data acquisition and instrumentation (strain gauges, load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples)
- Write and automate test procedures and scripts (primarily Python) for execution and data analysis
- Lead test operations end-to-end, including setup, execution, and post-test review
- Troubleshoot hardware and drive root cause analysis on structural test failures
- Partner cross-functionally with design, analysis, avionics, and manufacturing to close the loop between test results and design
Apex is a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding. The company offers equity, comprehensive healthcare (100% company-paid medical, dental, vision), 15-20+ days vacation plus 10 paid holidays, 401(k) matching, 8 weeks paid parental leave, daily catered lunch, and a collaborative office environment in Playa Vista.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field
- 3+ years of experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or complex structural testing
- Background designing large-scale structural test stands or load application systems
- Strong fundamentals in structural mechanics, including strength, stability, and fatigue
- Experience with structural analysis (hand calcs and/or FEM) and test correlation
- Hands-on experience with instrumentation and lab equipment (strain, load, pressure, thermal measurements)
- Experience designing, building, or operating structural test systems and hardware
- Experience with test automation and scripting (Python or similar)
- Ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership environments with evolving requirements
Nice to haves: Environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC); NX/Teamcenter, Nastran, or ANSYS; high-pressure or cryogenic systems experience.
