Apex Technology Inc

Senior Mechanical Engineer (Propulsion)

Los Angeles · Senior · Full-time

Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 69 days ago

GD&TAvionicsSystems EngineeringMechanical DesignAerospace EngineeringLoad TestingCommunicationCollaboration

About the role

Apex is seeking a Propulsion Mechanical Engineer to own mechanical designs for our spacecraft propulsion systems.
You will drive the design, analysis, and qualification of propulsion hardware that must perform reliably through launch environments and long-duration on-orbit operations.
This role spans mechanical design, fluid system development, thermal interfaces, and flight hardware qualification, with end-to-end ownership from early concept through flight readiness and operational performance.

Own the mechanical design of propulsion system hardware and its integration into propulsion modules, including thrusters, PPUs, manifolds, flow control hardware, high-pressure propellant lines, and tanks.
Perform analysis and testing to satisfy propulsion subsystem requirements across performance, safety, and environmental constraints.
Design propulsion module structures and housings, plasma-facing components, mounts, thermal straps, and mechanical interfaces.
Perform structural and vibration analyses to support launch loads, thermal cycling, and long-duration on-orbit operation.
Generate and maintain CAD models, drawings, and GD&T for flight hardware.
Support manufacturing, assembly, and integration of propulsion and fluid hardware.
Diagnose test anomalies related to propulsion system testing and drive corrective action and design iteration.
Partner with systems engineering on requirements, margins, and subsystem interfaces.
Support launch campaigns, on-orbit performance evaluation, and anomaly resolution.
Contribute to failure analysis and continuous design improvements to support future builds and scalable production.

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
8+ years of experience delivering mechanical and/or fluid system hardware.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Experience with electric propulsion systems (Hall thrusters, ion thrusters, or related EP).
Experience with spacecraft propellant feed systems and/or xenon (or alternative EP propellants).
Familiarity with propulsion testing in vacuum facilities and vacuum system gas behavior.
Prior flight hardware experience.
Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred).

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

Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

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
8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel

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.
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.

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.
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.

This listing is sourced directly from Apex Technology Inc's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.