Comet Vehicle Director

Apex Technology•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge. For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles. Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more. We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet. About the Role As Comet Vehicle Director, you will be the technical authority and visionary for our next generation spacecraft, responsible for the vehicle requirements, design, integrated architecture, subsystem integration, system sizing, and mission performance. The Comet Vehicle Director partners closely with Apex executive leadership, subsystem leads and responsible engineers, manufacturing, supply chain, and business development to the vehicle from concept through flight and production start. You will own the technical program direction for Apex, guide cross-disciplinary engineering teams, and ensure the spacecraft meets performance, reliability, and schedule targets while maintaining Apex’s high-rate production philosophy. This role requires deep spacecraft systems experience combined with the ability to lead complex engineering efforts across avionics, propulsion, GNC, structures, and flight software.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in spacecraft or complex aerospace systems development
Proven experience serving as Chief Engineer, Vehicle Lead, or Systems Engineering Lead on spacecraft or aerospace vehicles
Strong background in aerospace design, spacecraft subsystems and system integration
Experience leading full lifecycle development from early-stage architecture through launch or on-orbit operations
Deep understanding of spacecraft engineering including: requirements development interface management verification & validation system trades
Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams
Ability to drive technical decisions under schedule and cost constraints

Nice To Haves

Experience with satellite bus platforms or modular spacecraft architectures
Experience developing high-rate or production ready spacecraft
Background with flatsat or hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) system testing
Familiarity with constellation-scale mission architectures
Prior experience supporting launch integration and mission operations
Advanced degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field

Responsibilities

Vehicle Technical Leadership Serve as the technical authority for the Comet vehicle, owning system architecture, performance, and technical decision-making.
Own the Comet program outcome, ensuring the vehicle meets Apex’s technical requirements, cost targets, schedules, and overall mission capability.
Lead the design engineering efforts across requirements, architectural trades, analysis, and qualification.
Identify and drive technical development projects and staffing needs to deliver next generation satellite capabilities for Apex.
Spacecraft Integration & Technical Execution Ensure successful integration of spacecraft subsystems including avionics, propulsion, power, GNC, structures, thermal, and software.
Lead vehicle-level design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR).
Resolve cross-subsystem technical challenges and manage interface definitions.
Own the vehicle configuration baseline and major design block changes.
Program Collaboration Act as a program manager to align technical execution with program schedule and milestones.
Provide technical leadership during customer interactions and mission design discussions.
Translate mission requirements into vehicle capabilities and engineering plans.
Engineering Leadership Set engineering priorities and integration plans across design engineering, manufacturing engineering, and production.
Drive coordination with subsystem responsible engineers, engineering team leaders, and other vehicle directors to ensure alignment across Apex.
Mentor senior engineers and engineering leaders as the Comet program grows.
Verification & Flight Readiness Ensure the vehicle meets mission performance, reliability, and environmental requirements.
Lead development of system-level test campaigns including flatsat, hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), and integrated vehicle testing.
Oversee verification matrices and qualification strategy.

Benefits

Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
Vibrant community: Monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social gatherings for you and your family
Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
World-class Playa Vista office with EV chargers, with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference