Mechanical Engineer, Payloads

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 skilled Mechanical Engineer, Payloads to join our satellite engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for the mechanical design, integration, and testing of payload hardware and supporting structures across Apex spacecraft programs. You will work closely with payload, structures, thermal, avionics, manufacturing, and integration teams to develop flight-ready hardware and ensure successful payload integration from early design through launch. RESPONSIBILITIES: - Develop mechanical designs and 3D models for payload hardware, mounting structures, brackets, enclosures, and supporting components. - Own mechanical payload integration from initial concept and interface definition through design, manufacturing, assembly, and test. - Define and manage mechanical interfaces between payloads, spacecraft structures, and other vehicle subsystems. - Perform structural analysis and hand calculations to ensure payload hardware meets strength, stiffness, mass, and environmental requirements. - Optimize designs for mass, manufacturability, assembly, reliability, and spacecraft-level performance. - Develop detailed engineering drawings, GD&T, interface control documentation, and hardware specifications. - Evaluate and select appropriate materials, fasteners, coatings, and manufacturing processes for flight hardware. - Collaborate with payload, structures, thermal, avionics, RF, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to resolve integration challenges. - Work directly with manufacturing and suppliers to support hardware fabrication and resolve issues. - Support hands-on assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of payload and spacecraft hardware. - Develop and execute environmental testing, including vibration, shock, static, and thermal vacuum testing. - Troubleshoot mechanical issues during manufacturing, integration, and test and drive problems to resolution. - Prepare and participate in design reviews, test readiness reviews, and other technical reviews. - Maintain engineering documentation, including design changes, analysis results, test reports, and as-built configurations. REQUIREMENTS: - U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data. - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. - 2+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical hardware. - Proficiency in CAD software for 3D modeling and drafting (e.g., NX, SolidWorks). - Strong understanding of mechanical design fundamentals, including structural design, material selection, fasteners, and tolerance analysis. - Experience developing engineering drawings and applying GD&T. - Strong hands-on problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. - Effective written and verbal communication skills. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Experience designing mechanical hardware for spacecraft, satellites, aerospace, or other high-reliability systems. - Experience with payload mechanical design and spacecraft-level payload integration. - Experience taking hardware through the full development lifecycle from concept through manufacturing, integration, and test. - Experience with structural analysis, including hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA). - Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, sheet metal, composites, and additive manufacturing. - Experience with environmental testing, including vibration, shock, static, and thermal vacuum testing. - Experience supporting hands-on assembly and integration of flight hardware. - Experience with NX and Teamcenter. - Familiarity with ASME, NASA, or other aerospace design and qualification standards. #LI-MO1 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.