Mission Integration Engineer Internship (Summer 2026)

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 We are seeking talented engineering students to work closely with Apex’s Mission Integration team for an exciting internship opportunity. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about space systems, eager to understand how spacecraft, launch vehicles, and ground systems come together, and motivated to learn how real missions are designed, integrated, and flown. As a Mission Integration Engineer Intern, you will support system-level mission planning and integration activities across active programs. You’ll gain exposure to end-to-end mission architecture, customer requirements, and cross-functional engineering collaboration. This role offers a unique opportunity to approach complex mission challenges from a systems perspective, with a focus on reliability, performance, and mission success. Internship Experience at Apex During the internship program at Apex, you’ll gain hands-on experience and meaningful professional growth. You’ll be assigned a mission-focused summer project that allows you to contribute directly to real spacecraft programs. Throughout the project, you’ll work closely with a dedicated mentor from the Mission Integration team while participating in technical learning sessions designed to deepen your understanding of satellite systems, launch environments, and mission operations. You’ll also connect with fellow interns and Apex engineers through community events and team activities, making this a well-rounded experience designed to launch your career in aerospace systems engineering. Mission Integration Engineering: Internship Focus Mission Integration Engineer Interns will assist with system-level mission integration activities across spacecraft programs. Responsibilities may include:

Requirements

Graduating in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027
Pursuing a BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
Strong interest in spacecraft systems, mission design, and space operations
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and work effectively in a team environment
U.S. Person status required due to access to export-controlled data

Nice To Haves

Coursework or project experience related to orbital mechanics, space systems, or systems engineering preferred
Familiarity with tools such as Python, MATLAB, STK, GMAT, or similar analysis tools is a plus

Responsibilities

Supporting mission architecture definition across spacecraft, launch vehicle, and operations elements
Assisting with mission analysis tasks such as orbital mechanics, deployment concepts, and trajectory trade studies
Helping generate and maintain mission-specific technical budgets (mass, power, data, pointing, etc.)
Supporting requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities
Assisting in the development of technical documentation, interface definitions, and integration procedures
Collaborating with mechanical, electrical, software, and operations teams to ensure system compatibility
Participating in internal design reviews, customer meetings, and technical discussions
Learning how technical risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated at the system level

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