Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer (Senior)

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 Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our satellite engineering team. In this role, you’ll own the design, analysis, and development of critical mechanical hardware for our spacecraft, taking designs from initial concept through qualification, production, integration, and flight. You’ll work cross-functionally across engineering and production to solve complex mechanical challenges and deliver lightweight, reliable, and manufacturable flight hardware. Responsibilities: - Own the mechanical design and development of spacecraft structures, subsystems, and components from concept through flight. - Develop complex 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings for flight hardware. - Perform structural analysis using FEA and hand calculations to validate designs against launch and on-orbit environments. - Drive design trades and optimize hardware for mass, structural performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule. - Define material, manufacturing process, and finish selections for spaceflight hardware. - Create and release production-ready drawings using GD&T and applicable engineering standards. - Partner closely with electrical, thermal, propulsion, manufacturing, quality, and systems engineering teams to drive spacecraft-level integration. - Work directly with manufacturing and technicians to support hardware builds, resolve issues, and rapidly iterate designs. - Lead mechanical hardware through assembly, integration, qualification, and environmental testing, including static load, vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum testing. - Analyze test results and hardware failures, determine root cause, and drive corrective design changes. - Lead design reviews and clearly communicate technical decisions, risks, and tradeoffs to engineering stakeholders. - Mentor junior engineers and contribute to improving mechanical design practices, tools, and processes across the team. Requirements: - U.S. Person status is required due to access to export-controlled data. - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field. - 7+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and hardware development, preferably within aerospace, spacecraft, launch vehicles, or other complex hardware environments. - Demonstrated experience owning complex mechanical hardware from concept through design, manufacturing, assembly, and test. - Strong proficiency in 3D CAD and engineering drawings; experience with NX preferred. - Strong understanding of structural mechanics, FEA, and hand calculations. - Strong knowledge of GD&T and engineering drawing standards. - Experience designing for aerospace manufacturing processes and materials, including machined, sheet metal, composite, or additively manufactured components. - Experience supporting hardware through environmental qualification and acceptance testing. - Strong engineering judgment and ability to independently solve ambiguous, complex technical problems. - Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, highly collaborative hardware development environment. - Strong written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience designing spacecraft structures, mechanisms, payload hardware, or other spaceflight mechanical systems. - Experience with vibration, shock, static load, and thermal vacuum testing. - Experience with spacecraft AIT and resolving hardware issues directly on the production floor. - Experience leading design reviews and providing technical mentorship to other engineers. - Familiarity with ASME, ASTM, NASA, or other relevant aerospace 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.