Spacecraft Dynamics Engineer

Apex Technology•Los Angeles, CA

2d•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 Apex is looking for a Spacecraft Dynamics Engineer to own dynamic analysis and vehicle response across our spacecraft. This role is responsible for predicting and validating how our hardware behaves across all phases of flight, from ground and launch environments through on-orbit operations. You’ll work across structures, test, and systems teams to ensure our vehicles are robust to vibration, shock, acoustics, and coupled loads.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field
1+ years of experience in structural dynamics, loads, or environment prediction
Strong fundamentals in vibration, shock, transient response, and frequency-domain analysis
Experience with finite element modeling and analysis (NASTRAN, FEMAP, or similar)
Strong background in linear algebra, numerical methods, and dynamic system modeling
Experience with telemetry, test, or flight data processing and correlation
Experience developing simulation tools and performing high-speed data and signal processing
Ability to communicate complex dynamics concepts clearly across engineering teams
Proven ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership environments

Nice To Haves

Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle coupled loads analysis
Hands-on experience with vibration, shock, or mode survey testing
Familiarity with industry standards (GSFC, MIL-STD, etc.)
Experience with flexible body dynamics or separation events
Experience building internal tools or automating analysis workflows

Responsibilities

Own dynamic and loads analysis across components, subsystems, and full spacecraft
Expertise in CLA, load derivation and structural verification
Develop load cases and environmental requirements (quasi-static, random vibration, shock, acoustics)
Predict vehicle response across launch, deployment, and on-orbit conditions
Perform structural dynamics analyses using FEM and analytical methods to evaluate loads, margins, and system behavior
Build and assemble coupled system models across spacecraft and launch vehicle interfaces
Plan and execute dynamic test campaigns, including vibration and mode survey testing, from setup through data validation and model correlation
Process and analyze test and flight data to validate models and improve prediction accuracy
Evaluate analytical predictions against test and flight data and drive improvements to loads methodologies
Develop internal tools and workflows (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for simulation, data processing, and signal analysis
Partner cross functionally with design, test, and manufacturing teams to influence hardware and ensure requirements are met
Provide technical leadership on complex dynamics problems and mentor more junior engineers

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