Spacecraft Avionics Lead

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 RoleApex is looking for an Avionics Lead to own the architecture, development, and delivery of flight critical avionics systems. you’ll drive technical direction across power, communications, and control systems while leading a small, high performing team. You’ll stay hands on and take hardware from clean sheet through flight and into scalable production, working closely with software, GNC, mechanical, and production teams to ensure reliable and repeatable spacecraft builds.ResponsibilitiesOwn the architecture and development of spacecraft avionics systems, including power distribution, communications, and control systems Lead the design, layout, bring up, and validation of custom PCBs for flight hardwareDrive system level trade studies balancing performance with spacecraft constraints including power, thermal, EMI, and mechanicalDeliver flight ready hardware and support integration, test, and production effortsPartner closely with software, GNC, mechanical, and production teams to ensure successful system integrationAssist with hiring, mentor, and lead a team of electrical engineers while setting a high technical barLead rapid prototyping and development efforts to evaluate designs, derisk interfaces, and validate performanceEstablish and improve processes to ensure avionics systems are reliable, manufacturable, and scalableTroubleshoot and resolve issues at the board and system level across design, integration, and productionRequirementsBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field5+ years of experience designing and delivering electrical systems for aerospace or other high reliability applicationsStrong experience with PCB design, schematic capture, layout, and bring upExperience with Altium or similar PCB design toolsExperience with component selection, circuit analysis and simulation, and board manufacturing processesHands on experience debugging electronics at the board and system levelProven technical leadership experience owning subsystems or mentoring engineersAbility to communicate technical trade offs clearly and drive cross functional alignmentPreferred RequirementsMaster’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related fieldExperience designing for space or other harsh environments including thermal, EMI, and radiation considerationsBackground in avionics subsystems such as power systems, communications, sensors, or control electronicsExperience in a fast paced or startup environmentWhy 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: $156K - $214.5KLocationLos AngelesEmployment TypeFull timeLocation TypeOn-siteDepartmentEngineeringAvionicsCompensation$156K – $214.5K • 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.