Mission Integration Engineer Internship (Spring or Summer 2027)

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 We are seeking talented engineering students to work closely with Apex’s Mission Integration team for an exciting internship opportunity. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about space systems, eager to understand how spacecraft, launch vehicles, and ground systems come together, and motivated to learn how real missions are designed, integrated, and flown. As a Mission Integration Engineer Intern, you will support system-level mission planning and integration activities across active programs. You’ll gain exposure to end-to-end mission architecture, customer requirements, and cross-functional engineering collaboration. This role offers a unique opportunity to approach complex mission challenges from a systems perspective, with a focus on reliability, performance, and mission success. INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE AT APEX During the internship program at Apex, you’ll gain hands-on experience and meaningful professional growth. You’ll be assigned a mission-focused summer project that allows you to contribute directly to real spacecraft programs. Throughout the project, you’ll work closely with a dedicated mentor from the Mission Integration team while participating in technical learning sessions designed to deepen your understanding of satellite systems, launch environments, and mission operations. You’ll also connect with fellow interns and Apex engineers through community events and team activities, making this a well-rounded experience designed to launch your career in aerospace systems engineering. MISSION INTEGRATION ENGINEERING: INTERNSHIP FOCUS Mission Integration Engineer Interns will assist with system-level mission integration activities across spacecraft programs. Responsibilities may include: - Supporting mission architecture definition across spacecraft, launch vehicle, and operations elements - Assisting with mission analysis tasks such as orbital mechanics, deployment concepts, and trajectory trade studies - Helping generate and maintain mission-specific technical budgets (mass, power, data, pointing, etc.) - Supporting requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities - Assisting in the development of technical documentation, interface definitions, and integration procedures - Collaborating with mechanical, electrical, software, and operations teams to ensure system compatibility - Participating in internal design reviews, customer meetings, and technical discussions - Learning how technical risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated at the system level This role emphasizes systems thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and clear technical communication. REQUIREMENTS - Graduating in Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 - Pursuing a BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field - Strong interest in spacecraft systems, mission design, and space operations - Coursework or project experience related to orbital mechanics, space systems, or systems engineering preferred - Familiarity with tools such as Python, MATLAB, STK, GMAT, or similar analysis tools is a plus - Strong organizational skills and attention to detail - Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and work effectively in a team environment - U.S. Person status required due to access to export-controlled data COMMITMENT This internship will begin in March 2027 or June 2027 and offers both full-time (40 hours/week) and part-time (minimum 20 hours/week) options. - Full-time interns should be available to pause or adjust academic commitments (such as taking a semester off or enrolling part-time) for the duration of the 10–12 week program - Part-time interns must maintain consistent availability during standard business hours to collaborate with their teams COMPENSATION $45/hour #LI-RC1 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.