Spacecraft Design Engineer

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 RoleAs a Spacecraft Design Engineer, you will be a foundational team member responsible for defining the future of Apex’s satellite platforms. You will operate at the design and development phase of the product lifecycle, shaping system architectures that balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost for mass-manufactured satellite buses that enable access to Earth orbit and beyond.You will act as a platform-level integrator and architect—translating mission needs into clear system requirements, interfaces, and design trades that downstream teams can execute with confidence.ResponsibilitiesSystem Architecture & DesignDefine and evolve end-to-end satellite system architectures across multiple mission profilesPerform system-level trade studies to optimize performance, reliability, cost, mass, and scheduleAnalyze and allocate system requirements to spacecraft subsystemsDefine and maintain system interfaces and interface control documents (ICDs)Requirements & Technical OwnershipDefine, document, and manage platform-level requirements during early lifecycle phasesMaintain traceability between customer needs, system requirements, and subsystem designsIdentify technical risks early and develop mitigation strategiesPerform system-level analyses (margins, sensitivities, FMEA) to inform design decisionsCross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate closely with propulsion, avionics, power, structures, thermal, software, and manufacturing teamsTranslate mission concepts into executable platform designsSupport internal design reviews and customer technical discussionsPrepare designs for transition into integration, test, and qualificationRequirementsU.S. Person status (ability to access export-controlled data)Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)6+ years of experience working on complex hardware systems (spacecraft preferred)Strong understanding of satellite subsystems and their interactionsExperience with system-level trade studies, requirements definition, and interface managementStrong analytical, communication, and documentation skillsPreferredExperience developing satellite platforms or spacecraft busesFamiliarity with requirements management or modeling tools (e.g., SysML, Jira, Excel)Experience supporting early validation or risk-reduction testingFamiliarity with aerospace systems engineering best practices#LI-JC1Why 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 createBest-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no costComprehensive PTO package: Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidaysCompetitive 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 travelDaily catered lunch and unlimited snacks: To keep you fueled throughout the dayVibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your familyYour dream desk setup: All the tools you need to be your most productive selfWorld-class Playa Vista office: With the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and lifeReal impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting differenceAdditional 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 RequirementsApex'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.Equal Opportunity EmployerApex 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.Compensation Range: $165K - $200KLocationLos AngelesEmployment TypeFull timeDepartmentEngineeringCompensation$165K – $200K • Offers EquityThe stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.