Lead Propulsion Integration Engineer

Apex Technology, Inc.•Los Angeles, CA

5d•$156,000 - $215,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Apex is seeking a Lead Propulsion Integration Engineer to own the propulsion modules that fly on our spacecraft, from initial vehicle requirements through design, integration, servicing, and launch. You will lead the engineers responsible for turning spacecraft and mission requirements into complete, flight-ready propulsion modules. That includes tank selection and sizing, module structure and mounting, feed-system architecture and routing, electrical and fluid interfaces, and ensuring the final design meets mass, cost, power, structural, and vehicle-level requirements. This is a hands-on technical leadership role. You'll set the architecture and engineering standards for propulsion module integration, develop the team, and stay close to the hardware as we scale production. Your team will also own spacecraft propellant servicing, including fill and drain operations, ground support equipment, procedures, and range compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, propulsion engineering, or a related technical field.
10+ years of experience in spacecraft propulsion, mechanical/fluid systems, propulsion integration, or related hardware development.
Experience leading engineers as a technical lead, people manager, or both.
Strong experience with propulsion module and feed-system design, including tank sizing and selection, structural integration, fluid routing, and component selection.
Experience owning hardware against vehicle-level requirements, ICDs, and mass, cost, and power budgets.
Hands-on experience with spacecraft propellant servicing, including fill/drain operations, procedures, and ground support equipment.
Working knowledge of range safety requirements for hazardous spacecraft operations.
Proven experience taking flight propulsion hardware from design through build, integration, test, and launch.
Strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to represent propulsion in vehicle-level technical and program decisions.
Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15).

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, propulsion engineering, or a related field.
Experience with both chemical and electric propulsion systems and propellant servicing, including xenon or krypton loading.
Experience transitioning propulsion modules or feed systems into serial or high-rate production.
Experience authoring hazardous operations procedures and supporting range approval processes.
Familiarity with propellant compatibility, cleanliness, and contamination control requirements.
Experience owning subsystem schedule, budget, and technical risk.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop the propulsion module integration team, setting a high bar for technical rigor, ownership, and execution.
Own propulsion module architecture across Apex's spacecraft platforms, including tank selection, module structure, mounting, feed-system routing, and vehicle interfaces.
Translate vehicle and mission requirements into complete propulsion module designs, including propellant and delta-v budgets.
Deliver flight-ready modules within allocated mass, cost, and power while meeting vehicle requirements and ICDs.
Ensure module structures and interfaces meet structural, environmental, and verification requirements.
Own spacecraft propellant servicing, including fill/drain operations, procedures, ground support equipment, and safe execution.
Ensure hazardous servicing operations meet applicable range requirements, including SSCMAN 91-710, and maintain required safety documentation and approvals.
Drive design for manufacturing, integration, test, and serviceability so propulsion modules can be built and processed efficiently at production rate.
Partner closely with systems, structures, thermal, avionics, power, propulsion component teams, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and program management.
Support vehicle integration, test, launch campaigns, and anomaly resolution, including leading root-cause investigations when issues arise.
Communicate technical status, risks, trades, and plans to engineering and company leadership.

Benefits

Receive equity in Apex
100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents
$100k life insurance at no cost
15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually
10 paid holidays
Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching
8 weeks paid parental leave
Childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
Daily catered lunch
Unlimited snacks
Monthly office socials
Pickleball tournaments
Run club
Gatherings for you and your family
Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self