Avionics Test Engineering (Aerospace)

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’re looking for an Avionics Test Engineer, Hardware to join our growing test team.

In this role, you’ll focus on developing the test hardware, infrastructure, and platforms used to ensure our spacecraft hardware is built and performs to specification. You’ll work closely with electrical, mechanical, RF, software, and systems engineers to establish test requirements, develop test strategies, and troubleshoot flight hardware throughout development, qualification, production, and integration.

Own the design, build, integration, and maintenance of bus-level and component-level avionics test racks , including harness design, rack component selection, circuit design, and test infrastructure.

Develop and maintain FlatSats and avionics testbeds , including electrical interfaces, emulators, EGSE, harnessing, and supporting infrastructure.

Lead hardware integration activities including harnessing, fixturing, rack integration, and mechanical/electrical interface validation.

Define test architecture and strategies in collaboration with electrical, mechanical, RF, software, and systems engineering teams.

Troubleshoot flight hardware and test setup failures using laboratory instrumentation including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, DAQ systems, VNAs, and vector signal analyzers/generators.

Develop test fixtures, breakout boxes, interface electronics, and other custom test hardware as needed.

Support component qualification, acceptance, regression, and spacecraft-level testing.

Investigate test failures and hardware anomalies, determine root cause, and work with responsible engineering teams to drive issues to resolution.

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.

• 5+ years of professional experience in aerospace hardware, avionics, electronics, or integrated hardware testing.
• Experience troubleshooting integrated electrical systems and complex test setups.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, interface control documents, and technical requirements.
• Citizen or Green Card holder) in accordance with ITAR requirements.

Experience integrating or testing spacecraft, launch vehicles, avionics, or other flight electronics.

Harness design and fabrication

Environmental testing

Vibration testing

Component acceptance and qualification testing

Experience in fast-paced aerospace production, manufacturing, or integration environments.

Experience designing PCBs or developing prototype electronics.

Experience conducting sensor functional testing, avionics channelization, or electrical interface validation.

Basic Python or scripting experience for test support, data collection, and automation.

#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:

• 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
• 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
• Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
• World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
• Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

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.