Spacecraft Systems Integration and Test Responsible Engineer (Early)

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

As a Spacecraft Systems Integration & Test Responsible Engineer (Early), you will be responsible for turning mature satellite platform designs into flight-ready systems. In this role, you will live at the intersection of engineering, test, and production. You will ensure our products and vehicles meet system requirements & perform reliably in flight through a combination of verification and validation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and support component and system-level testing, focusing on functional and performance testing
• Develop, review, and approve system level test procedures, ensuring key performance indicators are appropriately covered in each test and success criteria are correctly defined
• Analyze test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution. This function will require a deep understanding of what each test is verifying and what anomalous behavior in each test indicate about component or system health.
• Lead system level test improvements by identifying and implementing opportunities for increased automation, refinement of test methods, and upgrades to test equipment in collaboration with the test engineering & production teams.
• Verification, Validation, and Flight readiness
• Maintain component and system-level verification artifacts, test reports, and compliance documentation for Apex-internal and end customer use
• Support qualification, acceptance, and flight readiness reviews
• Cross-functional execution
• Collaborate closely with production, test, quality, and vehicle engineering teams to continuously evaluate & improve testing
• Communicate system status, risks, and issues clearly to stakeholders including engineering, production, and mission management
• Engage with customers to methodically share test results, anomalies, and status in collaboration with mission management

Requirements

• US person
• Bs in Aerospace, Mech, systems, or related field
• 2+ years of experience with system integration, test, and qualification
• Strong understanding of satellite subsystems and system-level interactions
• Strong problem-solving, organization, and communication skills as applied to company-internal and external customer-facing discussions.

Preferred

• Prior flight hardware and/or ground testbed (e.g. FlatSat) experience.
• Familiarity with root cause analysis methods such as fishbone diagrams, common cause analyses, and fault trees.
• Experience operating in a production or high-rate environment.

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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 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.