Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer

Apex Space • Los Angeles, CA

214d • $165,000 - $195,000

About The Position

Apex is seeking a seasoned spacecraft electric propulsion engineer to join our closely integrated team, driving the development of our propulsion systems to meet the requirements of our spacecraft bus. You will have the opportunity to approach this from a clean-sheet design, guiding propulsion system architecture, integration, and testing to ensure optimal performance.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electric propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline.
• 6+ years of propulsion design and test experience.
• Experience with handling and testing pressurized systems.
• Strong knowledge of propulsion, spacecraft systems, and range safety (SSCMAN 91-710) requirements.
• Ability to decompose supplier ICDs and communicate requirements to responsible engineering disciplines.
• Demonstrated history of designing fluidic systems, fluid system instrumentation, and control components (i.e. tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves, etc.).
• Experience with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks).
• Working knowledge for manufacturing in a clean environment and following AS9100 protocols.

Nice To Haves

• Master's or Ph.D in mechanical, electric propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline.
• Experience operating leak, burst, proof test facilities.
• Experience leading an electric propulsion hot-fire test campaign including (high-voltage power and fluid delivery systems for ground test, data acquisition systems, thrust stands, and plasma diagnostics, are a plus).
• Experience with electric propulsion operations in space.

Responsibilities

• Design electric propulsion system architecture, develop product specifications, and maintain Technical Performance Metrics (TPMs) including power and mass budgets.
• Define placement and integration of an electric propulsion system architecture.
• Documenting and maintaining detailed work instructions, process flow diagrams, assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) procedures for manufacturing operations.
• Establish engine degradation model, perform filtration analysis, and demonstrate compliance to dedicated propulsion budgets (leak, power, thermal, etc.).
• Design high pressure fluidic systems, fluid system instrumentation, and control components (i.e. tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves, etc.).
• Develop qualification and acceptance test plans and support said tests per approved procedures. Testing includes environmental testing such as vibration, shock, and TVAC.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate propulsion systems with other subsystems (e.g., electrical, thermal, structure).
• Troubleshoot anomalies that arise during manufacturing, lead investigation efforts, and ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) approaches are followed during all stages of development.
• Directly interface with customer/supplier relationships, conduct analyses, and provide support (either virtual or onsite) as necessary.
• Decompose SSCMAN 91-710 document into Requirements Verification Matrix (RVM), tailor requirements as necessary, and conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) for internal personnel and facility safety.
• Conduct trade studies for electric propulsion components and suppliers, work with supply chain on quotation process, and manage vendors in the supply chain.
• Contribute to proposals and business development efforts as needed.

Benefits

• Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.
• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision plans. The primary and dependents' premium is 99%+ covered.
• Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package, to reset and recharge.
• Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.
• Paid parental leave.
• Daily lunch and unlimited snacks!
• Community events like monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club and more!
• Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.
• A world class office located in Playa Vista, filled with amazing coworkers and social gatherings for you and your family.
• An opportunity to make a real impact in the aerospace industry.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees