Lead Spacecraft Test Engineer

Apex Technology•Los Angeles, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Lead Spacecraft Test Engineer, you will lead and develop a team of test engineers while driving excellence across environmental testing and spacecraft checkout operations. You'll be responsible for mentoring your team, setting technical direction, and owning the strategy and execution of test programs from early development through rate production. We're looking for motivated, detail-oriented engineers who combine deep technical expertise in environmental and functional testing with the leadership instincts to build and develop a high-performing team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Requirements

U.S. Persons status is required as this position needs to access export-controlled data
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
5+ years of experience in environmental or functional testing within the aerospace industry
Strong leadership fundamentals demonstrated via proven ability to delegate effectively, drive strategic initiatives from concept to execution, and foster individual growth
Deep knowledge of aerospace testing standards, protocols, and regulations such as MIL-STD-461, GSFC-STD-7000, SMC-S-016, and MIL-STD-810
Proven track record of implementing test process improvements that resulted in measurable gains in quality, efficiency, schedule, or cost
Demonstrated experience with operating, maintaining, and procuring environmental testing equipment
Strong understanding of instrumentation used during environmental testing including thermocouples, accelerometers, and DAQs
Excellent analytical skills and ability to communicate complex technical findings to cross-functional stakeholders
Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, hardware-intensive environments

Nice To Haves

1+ years of technical leadership or team management experience
Strong people leadership skills including talent development, performance management, and ability to drive team accountability while maintaining morale
Experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle test programs
Experience scaling environmental test operations from new product introduction to rate production
Familiarity with AS9100 or other high-reliability aerospace quality systems
Experience with test automation, scripting, or programming in Python, LabVIEW, or similar
Knowledge of data acquisition and analysis software
Experience with MES/ERP systems and digital production tracking

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of spacecraft test engineers while managing project assignments, performance, and professional growth
Own the development, execution, and continuous improvement of test plans, procedures, protocols, and requirements across environmental testing and checkouts — including vibration & shock, thermal cycling & TVAC, EMI/EMC, and pneumatic pressure testing
Drive the strategy and roadmap for scaling test operations from low-rate development to high-rate production, ensuring test capacity and capability grow with the program
Scope, procure, set up, and maintain environmental test equipment and infrastructure, making build-vs-buy decisions and managing capital planning for the test organization
Provide hands-on technical leadership on critical test challenges, including test fixture design, instrumentation setup, and anomaly resolution
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, design engineering, and quality assurance to identify and resolve issues and ensure test requirements are captured early in the design process
Analyze test data, interpret results, and generate comprehensive test reports; establish standards for data quality and reporting across the team
Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace testing standards and regulations
Lead root cause and corrective action investigations for test escapes and anomalies, driving systemic fixes rather than one-off solutions
Stay current with industry advancements and best practices in spacecraft environmental and functional testing

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