PCB Designer / Altium Librarian

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 seeking a highly detail oriented PCB Designer who will also serve as the Altium Librarian, responsible for both high quality PCB layout and the integrity of our electronic component library. This role is critical to ensuring design consistency, manufacturability, and configuration control across all avionics hardware programs. The ideal candidate combines strong layout skills with a disciplined approach to library management, part creation, and data governance within a controlled engineering environment. Responsibilities - Perform schematic capture support and PCB layout for complex, high-reliability electronics (multilayer, high-speed, mixed-signal, and power designs) - Execute constraint-driven layout including impedance control, differential routing (e.g., Ethernet), and power integrity considerations - Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and thermal engineers to ensure design integration - Generate and review fabrication and assembly drawings, stackups, and design notes - Support DFM/DFA reviews with fabrication and assembly vendors - Iterate designs based on prototype feedback, test results, and manufacturing input - Own and maintain the Altium component library as the single source of truth for all PCB designs - Create and manage symbols, footprints, and 3D models with strict adherence to internal standards - Ensure all components are linked to approved part numbers in PLM (e.g., Teamcenter) Define and enforce library standards (naming conventions, parameter sets, lifecycle states, revision control) - Perform library QA to ensure accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance with standards (IPC, NASA, internal) - Support engineers in proper part selection and usage of library components - Support release processes from Altium Designer to PLM systems - Ensure all design data packages are complete, consistent, and manufacturable at release - Maintain traceability between schematic, layout, BOM, and PLM records - Participate in ECO/NCR processes and implement design updates accordingly - Contribute to fabrication/assembly notes, marking standards, and coating/staking documentation - Drive consistency across projects by enforcing repeatable design practices REQUIREMENTS - Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience - 5+ years of experience in PCB design and layout - Strong proficiency with Altium Designer - Demonstrated experience managing or contributing to a component library - Solid understanding of: Multilayer PCB stackups and materials - High-speed design principles (signal integrity, controlled impedance) - Power distribution and grounding strategies - Experience working with fabrication and assembly vendors PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience in aerospace, space, or other high-reliability industries - Familiarity with IPC standards (IPC-2221, IPC-7351, IPC-A-610 Class 3) - Experience with PLM systems such as Teamcenter - Knowledge of configuration management and release workflows - Experience with: Rigid-flex and HDI designs, Via-in-pad, blind/buried vias - Design for environmental requirements (vibration, thermal, radiation considerations) #LI-JC1 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: Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays - Competitive 401(k) plan: 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: 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 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full-time hires are also eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan. ITAR REQUIREMENTS Apex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.