Electro-Optical 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 Electro-Optical Engineer to own our sensor products across the full development lifecycle, from clean-sheet concept to qualified, production-ready hardware. This role sits at the intersection of design, analysis, test, and production, acting as the technical authority that carries a sensor from architecture through qualification and into the field. You'll own how our sensors perform in the real world, driving trade studies that balance performance, cost, and risk, leading verification and qualification campaigns, and closing the loop through failure investigations that sharpen every future design.   Responsibilities: System ownership - Own sensor products through the full development lifecycle, including conceptualization, architecture, design, analysis, prototyping, qualification, and production - Support production as the hardware Responsible Engineering Authority (REA), providing technical solutions, guidance, and documentation when issues arise - Manage project budget, schedule, and tasking within a multidisciplinary team of engineers Test Engineering - Own verification and validation activities for sensor subsystem requirements - Develop and execute qualification and test campaigns, including creation of test plans, procedures, and reports. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and maintain test stations and ground support equipment (GSE/STE) - Perform failure investigations and root cause analyses, incorporating lessons learned into future designs and test approaches Technical Development - Perform system- and component-level trade studies to evaluate architectures and designs to optimize performance, cost, schedule, and technical risk - Collaborate with teams across structures, thermal, optics, avionics, software, GNC, manufacturing, mission assurance, and supply chain to develop integrated sensor solutions - Present technical work at design reviews and create clear, thorough engineering documentation Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline - Hands-on experience developing, prototyping, integrating, and/or testing multidisciplinary systems - Demonstrated hardware, project, or product ownership experience - Strong understanding of test engineering fundamentals and methodologies - Demonstrated leadership, time management, and organizational skills - Comfortable researching and creating clean-sheet subsystem architectures and designs within an open design space - Self-motivated and eager to learn in a fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment Preferred Qualifications: - 1-2 years of experience in aerospace, automotive, or other technical product development/test - Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline - Experience developing, designing, implementing, and/or testing sensor systems - Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM/DFMA) principles - Familiarity with satellite systems and space environments - Familiarity with all stages of the hardware product lifecycle - Familiarity with project management tools and techniques 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.