Avionics Test Engineer, Hardware

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’re looking for a Hardware Avionics Test Engineer to join our growing Test team. In this role, you’ll focus on hardware integration and testing, system-level and component-level test rack planning and buildup, avionics validation, and automated spacecraft test execution. You’ll work closely with electrical, mechanical, RF, and systems engineers to build and operate integrated spacecraft test environments, execute qualification campaigns, and troubleshoot flight hardware throughout development and integration. This role is highly hands-on and ideal for engineers who enjoy working directly with hardware, integration setups, and environmental testing.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute test procedures for spacecraft avionics subsystems and RF hardware

• Build, configure, and maintain:

  • Flatsats

  • Communications racks

  • Component-level and system-level test setups

• Support hardware integration activities including:

  • Harnessing

  • Fixturing

  • Rack integration

  • Mechanical/electrical interface validation

• Operate laboratory instrumentation including:

  • Oscilloscopes

  • Multimeters

  • Power supplies

  • DAQ systems

  • VNAs

  • Vector signal analyzers/generators

• Execute RF and avionics validation testing for:

  • Antennas

  • Radios and transceivers

  • GNSS systems

  • LNAs and PAs

  • RF switches

  • Couplers and power dividers

• Perform:

  • Near-field antenna testing

  • Cable loss characterization

  • S-parameter measurements

  • Insertion loss analysis

• Support environmental and qualification campaigns including:

  • EMI/EMC

  • Vibration

  • Thermal cycling

  • TVAC

• Support RF testing in thermal vacuum environments, including understanding of corona and multipactor considerations

• Troubleshoot flight hardware and flatsat hardware failures during integration and test

• Execute and document:

  • Functional checkouts

  • Acceptance testing

  • Environmental screening

  • Integrated system validation

• Author and maintain Design Verification Plans (DVPs), procedures, and test documentation

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on design-for-test initiatives and spacecraft integration campaigns

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field

• 3+ years of professional experience in aerospace hardware or electronics testing

• Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation and hardware bring-up

• Familiarity with avionics hardware and embedded communication protocols:

  • UART

  • SPI

  • CAN

  • I2C

• Experience troubleshooting integrated electrical systems and test setups

• Strong understanding of hardware integration and validation workflows

• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills

• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder) in accordance with ITAR requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience integrating or testing spacecraft, launch vehicles, or flight electronics

• Familiarity with RF communications systems and RF lab equipment

• Experience with:

  • Harnessing

  • Fixturing

  • Environmental testing

  • Vibration testing

• Familiarity with coaxial cable selection and RF interconnect characterization

• Exposure to fast-paced aerospace production or integration environments

• Experience designing PCBs or supporting hardware prototyping

• Background conducting sensor functional tests, leak checks, or avionics channelization

• Basic Python or scripting experience for test support and automation

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 backed by $200M in Series D 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 to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

• Competitive 401(k) plan with 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 and 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

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.

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.