Avionics Hardware Development Engineer

Job description

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 an Avionics Hardware Development Engineer to ensure our avionics systems are buildable, testable, and repeatable at scale. This role sits at the intersection of design, production, test, and supply chain, acting as the continuity layer between development and execution. You’ll own how avionics hardware performs in the real world, driving rapid issue resolution, improving yield, and closing the loop between design and production. Responsibilities: - Own first line response to build, test, and integration issues across avionics hardware - Perform root cause analysis and drive corrective actions across design, process, and supply chain - Partner with manufacturing (internal and CMs) to resolve build issues quickly and improve throughput - Ensure released designs are manufacturable, testable, and scalable to production - Drive ECOs and systemic improvements based on real production and test feedback - Support system-level integration across power, comms, and timing between subsystems - Work with supply chain to ensure BOMs are executable and risks are identified and mitigated early - Identify and eliminate recurring issues to improve first-pass yield and reduce rework - Help define and improve production, test, and integration workflows for avionics systems - Act as the bridge between design, production, and test to ensure continuous improvement Requirements: - Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field - 3+ years of experience in hardware development, manufacturing, test, or integration engineering - Experience working with avionics or electronic hardware (PCBs, harnessing, power systems, etc.) - Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills across electrical and mechanical systems - Experience supporting production or integration of complex hardware systems - Ability to work cross-functionally across design, manufacturing, test, and supply chain - Strong ownership mindset in fast-paced, high-ambiguity environments Nice to have: - Experience supporting hardware from design through production and integration - Experience with system-level debugging (power, comms, timing issues) - Familiarity with ECO processes, configuration management, and quality systems - Experience working with contract manufacturers (CMs) - Experience with scripting or data analysis (Python, SQL, or similar) - Background in high-reliability or high-rate hardware environments (aerospace, automotive, etc.) WHY JOIN APEX? Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one. WHAT WE OFFER FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES: - 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 socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and 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 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 Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build s