Propulsion Machinist

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 Space is seeking a Propulsion Machinist to support rapid development and fabrication of spacecraft propulsion hardware. You’ll machine prototype and development parts, tooling, fixtures, and test hardware while working directly with propulsion engineers to turn designs into hardware quickly.

This is a hands-on role for a versatile machinist who thrives in a fast-paced development environment. You’ll work across CNC and manual machining, support quick-turn requests, and help solve manufacturing challenges that keep propulsion development and testing moving.

Responsibilities:

- Machine prototype and development hardware for spacecraft propulsion systems using CNC and manual mills and lathes.

- Fabricate quick-turn parts to support propulsion development, testing, and hardware builds.

- Work from engineering drawings, CAD models, sketches, and engineering direction to produce high-quality hardware.

- Set up and operate machine tools, including workholding, tooling, offsets, and machining parameters.

- Support fabrication of test-stand hardware, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment (GSE).

- Collaborate directly with propulsion engineers to understand design intent and determine practical manufacturing approaches.

- Select appropriate materials, stock, tooling, and machining processes based on part requirements.

- Provide design-for-manufacturing feedback to improve machinability, lead time, cost, and part quality.

- Inspect completed hardware using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision measurement equipment.

- Maintain machines, tooling, and shop equipment to ensure they remain safe, organized, and ready for use.

- Maintain a clean and organized work environment while following all shop and equipment safety requirements.

- Support additional machining, fabrication, and shop activities as needed to keep propulsion development and testing moving.

Requirements:

- High school diploma or equivalent.

- 3+ years of hands-on machining experience using CNC and/or manual mills and lathes.

- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, and technical documentation.

- Experience setting up machine tools, workholding, tooling, and offsets.

- Proficiency with precision measurement and inspection equipment, including calipers, micrometers, and gauges.

- Ability to produce one-off, prototype, and low-volume hardware to tight tolerances and aggressive timelines.

- Strong mechanical aptitude, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

- Ability to work directly with engineers and communicate manufacturing constraints and recommendations.

- Safety-first mindset and ability to maintain an organized machining environment.

- Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15).

Nice to Haves:

- Trade or vocational training, machining apprenticeship, or military machining experience.

- CNC programming experience using G-code and CAM software such as Fusion 360, Mastercam, or similar.

- Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and other aerospace or exotic alloys.

- Experience machining propulsion, fluid-system, vacuum, test, or aerospace flight hardware.

- Experience supporting rapid prototype or R&D machining environments.

- Welding, sheet metal, or additional fabrication experience.

- Familiarity with cleanliness and contamination-control requirements for propulsion or fluid-system hardware.

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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: Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

- Competitive 401(k) plan: 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: 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. You can learn more about ITAR here https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987.

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.