Spacecraft Systems Integration & Test Responsible 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

As a Spacecraft Systems Integration & Test Responsible Engineer, you will be responsible for turning mature satellite platform designs into flight-ready systems. You will operate at the integration, test, and qualification phase of the product lifecycle, owning execution and ensuring the spacecraft meets system requirements and performs reliably in flight.

This role is the single-threaded owner for system-level integration, verification, anomaly resolution, and flight readiness.

Responsibilities

System Integration & Test Ownership

• Plan, coordinate, and execute system-level integration of spacecraft subsystems
• Oversee and support system-level testing, including:
• Functional and performance testing
• Environmental testing (vibration, thermal-vacuum)
• Develop, review, and approve system-level test procedures
• Analyze test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution

Verification, Validation & Flight Readiness

• Own verification and validation of platform-level system requirements
• Maintain system-level verification artifacts, test reports, and compliance documentation
• Support qualification, acceptance, and flight readiness reviews
• Support launch site activities and on-orbit commissioning as needed

Execution & Risk Management

• Track requirement changes, risks, and mitigation actions during integration and test
• Support system-level failure investigations and root cause analysis
• Feed lessons learned back into design teams to improve future iterations

Cross-Functional Execution

• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, test, quality, and subsystem teams
• Communicate system status, risks, and issues clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and program status updates

Requirements

• U.S. Person status (ability to access export-controlled data)
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
• 6+ years of experience with system integration, test, and qualification
• Strong understanding of satellite subsystems and system-level interactions
• Experience planning and executing system-level tests
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills

Preferred

• Prior flight hardware experience
• Experience supporting spacecraft environmental testing campaigns
• Familiarity with aerospace verification and qualification standards
• Experience operating in a production or high-rate environment

#LI-JC1

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.