Staff Materials Engineer (Inorganics)

Apex Technology, Inc.•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$170,000 - $225,000•Onsite

About The Position

Apex is seeking a Materials and Processes (M&P) Engineer to serve as the technical focal for metallic materials and related manufacturing processes used in spacecraft, propulsion systems, mechanisms, structures, avionics hardware, and flight-support equipment. The engineer will define product requirements, inform material and design tradeoffs, conduct materials analyses and testing, lead test campaigns, and develop a materials database and usage list. The role also validates decisions through prototypes and supports building and qualifying flight hardware as production scales. The position covers material selection and qualification, process requirements, design guidance, supplier controls, and technical dispositions for aerospace metallics. It supports product design and manufacturing in accordance with contractual and regulatory obligations, as well as supplier qualification, laboratory testing, failure analysis, non-conformance investigations, and the creation and maintenance of engineering specifications, work instructions, test plans, and records. The role requires clear communication with cross-functional teams and project management to meet cost, technical, and schedule requirements. Apex describes itself as a fast-growing spacecraft manufacturer focused on satellite buses. The position is associated with the Playa Vista office and emphasizes in-person collaboration alongside flexibility to integrate work and life.

Requirements

U.S. Persons status is required for access to export-controlled data; the posting also states applicants may qualify through eligibility to obtain required export authorizations.
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, materials, physics, aerospace, or a relevant engineering discipline.
10+ years of industry experience demonstrating a strong foundation in materials science and engineering principles.
Engineering experience qualifying typical aerospace metallics, such as aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, specialty aerospace alloys, castings, forgings, extrusions, sheet and plate, bar and tubing, and additively manufactured metallic hardware.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Polymers, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Engineering experience with materials in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing development lifecycles.
Deep understanding of aluminum, composites, stainless steels, adhesives, and thermal materials.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as welding, heat treatment, and plating.
Knowledge of fracture mechanics, corrosion control, fluid compatibility, statistics, and failure analysis.

Responsibilities

Own material selection, qualification, process requirements, design guidance, supplier controls, and technical disposition for typical aerospace metallics.
Establish and maintain internal materials and process specifications for material procurement and applicable manufacturing, finishing, cleaning, inspection, and acceptance processes.
Develop and maintain an Approved Metallic Materials and Processes List covering alloys, tempers, product forms, specifications, suppliers, processes, design limitations, and qualification status.
Support engineering requirements for selecting or recommending parts, materials, processes, manufacturing technologies, machinery, tools, and automation systems in accordance with contractual and regulatory obligations.
Support engineering design reviews and participate in failure analyses involving metallic parts and processes.
Assist with supplier qualification activities, respond to routine supplier technical inquiries, and escalate complex supplier or production issues to senior management.
Analyze performance and causes of tool, material, part, or process failures, and recommend corrective actions for senior review.
Coordinate and support laboratory activities, including metallography, hardness, tensile, and NDT/NDI testing; compile test data for interpretation and disposition.
Use project management practices to meet cost, technical, and schedule requirements for assigned tasks.
Support the creation and revision of material and process specifications, work instructions, and test plans.
Support investigations of non-conformances and supplier deviations; collect evidence, perform basic root-cause analysis, and draft corrective-action recommendations.
Maintain engineering records, including test reports and engineering orders, and support configuration control and design reviews as required.
Communicate technical findings clearly to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Benefits

Equity in Apex.
Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
$100,000 life insurance at no cost.
Paid time off starting at 15 vacation days and growing to 20+ days annually.
10 paid holidays.
401(k) plan with 100% matching on the first 3% and 50% 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 personalized desk setup.
In-person collaboration at the Playa Vista office with flexibility to integrate work and life.
Long-term incentives in the form of stock options for full-time hires.