Mission Integration Engineer - Payload I&T
About The Position
Apex is seeking a Mission Integration Engineer specializing in Payload Integration & Test to join its expanding Mission Integration team. The team turns Apex’s foundational spacecraft platform into the backbone of customer missions. This hands-on role owns planning and execution of customer payload integration and space vehicle-level test campaigns. The engineer works with customers and multidisciplinary internal teams to integrate payloads with spacecraft buses, plan and conduct vehicle-level environmental and functional tests, support propulsion loading operations, and prepare for launch. The role also involves technical documentation, requirements verification and validation, risk assessment, customer engagement, and travel to launch sites. Apex manufactures satellite buses for commercial spacecraft missions. The company describes itself as a fast-growing startup and offers full-time employees equity, healthcare, paid leave, retirement matching, catered meals, office amenities, and an in-person collaboration environment at its Playa Vista office. Applicants must meet applicable U.S. export-control eligibility requirements.
Requirements
- U.S. Person status is required for access to export-controlled data; the posting also states applicants may qualify by obtaining required export authorizations.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of experience working on complex hardware systems; spacecraft experience is preferred.
- Experience in satellite manufacturing or related industries such as aerospace, defense, or high tech.
- Strong understanding of space systems integration and test.
- Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing timelines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and adapt to shifting demands.
- High attention to detail and a focus on delivering concise, technical review content.
Nice To Haves
- Previous spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload engineering experience.
- Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or rideshare mission integration.
- Experience working with prime contractors or government entities.
- Familiarity with flight software, embedded systems, and space communications protocols such as CCSDS, S-band, and X-band.
Responsibilities
- Own planning of space vehicle integration and test campaigns and drive their execution on the cleanroom floor.
- Work directly with customers to develop bus-to-payload integration procedures.
- Plan and execute space vehicle-level environmental testing, including random vibration, quasi-static load, and TVAC.
- Plan and execute space vehicle-level functional testing to demonstrate integrated vehicle functionality.
- Support space vehicle propulsion load operations for dynamic testing and launch.
- Review coupled loads analysis and thermal analysis results for incorporation into test planning.
- Travel to launch sites for vehicle integration, system checkouts, and launch rehearsals.
- Develop and maintain customer system-level documentation, including specifications, interface control documents, and system design descriptions.
- Support requirements analysis, verification, and validation to ensure compliance with customer needs and industry standards.
- Identify and assess technical risks associated with system design, development, and operation.
- Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software, and other multidisciplinary teams to ensure system integration and performance.
- Communicate technical concepts, requirements, and issues clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and project status updates.
Benefits
- Equity in Apex.
- Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
- $100,000 life insurance at no cost.
- Starting at 15 vacation days, increasing to 20 or more days annually.
- 10 paid holidays.
- 401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% and a 50% match on the next 2%.
- Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
- Childcare reimbursement up to $350 per day for work-related travel.
- Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks.
- Office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for employees and their families.
- Tools for a productive desk setup.
- In-person collaboration at the Playa Vista office, with flexibility to integrate work and life.
- Stock options and long-term incentives for full-time hires.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
