Senior Mission Integration Engineer - Payload I&T

Apex Technology, Inc.•Los Angeles, CA

24d•$165,000 - $190,000•Onsite

About The Position

Apex is seeking a Senior Mission Integration Engineer specializing in Payload Integration & Test to join its expanding Mission Integration team. The team transforms Apex’s spacecraft platform into the foundation for customer missions. This hands-on position owns planning and execution of customer payload integration and spacecraft-level test campaigns, including coordination with customers and multidisciplinary engineering teams. The role also supports system documentation, requirements verification and validation, risk assessment, and mission activities at launch sites.

Requirements

U.S. Person status is required for access to export-controlled data; the ITAR section also states applicants may alternatively be able to obtain required export authorizations.
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
8+ 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, with 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

Lead planning and execution of space vehicle integration and test (I&T) campaigns, including hands-on work on the cleanroom floor.
Lead customer technical engagements to develop bus-to-payload integration procedures.
Plan and execute spacecraft-level environmental testing, including random vibration, quasi-static load, and thermal vacuum testing (TVAC).
Plan and execute spacecraft-level functional testing to demonstrate integrated vehicle functionality.
Lead spacecraft propulsion load operations for dynamic testing and launch.
Review coupled loads analysis (CLA) and thermal analysis results and incorporate them 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 engineering 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+ days annually.
10 paid holidays.
401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% and 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 families.
Tools and equipment for a productive desk setup.
In-person collaboration at the Playa Vista office, with flexibility to integrate work and life.
Stock options as long-term incentives for full-time hires.