Senior RF/Comms System Engineer

About the role

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

Apex is seeking a seasoned spacecraft Senior RF/Comms Systems engineer to work on a closely integrated team who will drive the design of hardware and software to meet the communications requirements of our bus and ground stations. You will have an opportunity to approach this from a clean sheet design and inform coupled trades across the vehicle and ground architecture. You will be innovative in your approach to push the limits of design and performance, while disrupting and making an impact on the industry.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop RF, digital, and optical satellite communications systems and spacecraft architectures.
• Work with ground segments- build, integration, and test.
• Define and verify space communication system requirements and interfaces Drive requirements for subcomponents and drive supplier down selection
• Perform analyses and simulations for space communication systems, including: link budgeting, analysis, signal distortion, system capacity, reliability, and performance
• Develop analysis tools using MATLAB and object-oriented software platforms
• Develop and verify system algorithms that meet functional and performance requirements
• Perform hardware procurement, integration, design reviews, and verification
• Work closely with other engineers to achieve overall system requirements.
• Work with payload customers to accommodate payload requirements.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Master’s degree preferred but not required.
• 5+ years of spacecraft RF and Telemetry communications experience-designing and testing space links
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills, able to work effectively within an organization and convey decisions, direction, and conclusions in a manner meaningful to multiple audiences.
• Extensive experience in spacecraft design, launch, and operation, including experience at all phases of the development lifecycle
• Experience in integrated software/hardware verification and testing.

Salary Range

$175,000 - $215,000 a year

The 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.

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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

Additional 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 Requirements

Apex'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.