Senior Propulsion Engineer (Chemical)

Apex Technology, Inc.•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Apex is seeking a seasoned Senior Propulsion Engineer (Chemical) to join their closely integrated team, driving the development of chemical propulsion systems to meet the requirements of their spacecraft bus. This role offers the opportunity to approach design from a clean-sheet perspective, guiding propulsion system architecture, integration, and testing for optimal performance. The successful candidate will be the first chemical propulsion engineer at Apex Space, responsible for building chemical propulsion capabilities, team, and infrastructure from the ground up.

Requirements

U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
Bachelor's degree in mechanical, propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline.
6+ years of propulsion design and test experience
Experience with mono and bi-propellant chemical propulsion systems
Experience with handling and testing pressurized systems
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, propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline
Experience operating leak, burst, proof test facilities
Experience leading an hot-fire test campaigns (power and fluid delivery systems for ground test, data acquisition systems, thrust stands, and plume diagnostics).
Experience with chemical propulsion operations in space

Responsibilities

Design, build, and test chemical propulsion systems
Design and build propulsion infrastructure and test facilities
Design propulsion system architecture, develop product specifications, and maintain Technical Performance Metrics (TPMs)
Develop qualification and acceptance test plans and support said testing
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.
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: 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