Lead Propulsion Integration Engineer

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 Lead Propulsion Integration Engineer to own the propulsion modules that fly on our spacecraft, from initial vehicle requirements through design, integration, servicing, and launch.

You will lead the engineers responsible for turning spacecraft and mission requirements into complete, flight-ready propulsion modules. That includes tank selection and sizing, module structure and mounting, feed-system architecture and routing, electrical and fluid interfaces, and ensuring the final design meets mass, cost, power, structural, and vehicle-level requirements.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role. You'll set the architecture and engineering standards for propulsion module integration, develop the team, and stay close to the hardware as we scale production. Your team will also own spacecraft propellant servicing, including fill and drain operations, ground support equipment, procedures, and range compliance.

Responsibilities:

- Lead and develop the propulsion module integration team, setting a high bar for technical rigor, ownership, and execution.

- Own propulsion module architecture across Apex's spacecraft platforms, including tank selection, module structure, mounting, feed-system routing, and vehicle interfaces.

- Translate vehicle and mission requirements into complete propulsion module designs, including propellant and delta-v budgets.

- Deliver flight-ready modules within allocated mass, cost, and power while meeting vehicle requirements and ICDs.

- Ensure module structures and interfaces meet structural, environmental, and verification requirements.

- Own spacecraft propellant servicing, including fill/drain operations, procedures, ground support equipment, and safe execution.

- Ensure hazardous servicing operations meet applicable range requirements, including SSCMAN 91-710, and maintain required safety documentation and approvals.

- Drive design for manufacturing, integration, test, and serviceability so propulsion modules can be built and processed efficiently at production rate.

- Partner closely with systems, structures, thermal, avionics, power, propulsion component teams, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and program management.

- Support vehicle integration, test, launch campaigns, and anomaly resolution, including leading root-cause investigations when issues arise.

- Communicate technical status, risks, trades, and plans to engineering and company leadership.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, propulsion engineering, or a related technical field.

- 10+ years of experience in spacecraft propulsion, mechanical/fluid systems, propulsion integration, or related hardware development.

- Experience leading engineers as a technical lead, people manager, or both.

- Strong experience with propulsion module and feed-system design, including tank sizing and selection, structural integration, fluid routing, and component selection.

- Experience owning hardware against vehicle-level requirements, ICDs, and mass, cost, and power budgets.

- Hands-on experience with spacecraft propellant servicing, including fill/drain operations, procedures, and ground support equipment.

- Working knowledge of range safety requirements for hazardous spacecraft operations.

- Proven experience taking flight propulsion hardware from design through build, integration, test, and launch.

- Strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to represent propulsion in vehicle-level technical and program decisions.

- 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 Have:

- Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, propulsion engineering, or a related field.

- Experience with both chemical and electric propulsion systems and propellant servicing, including xenon or krypton loading.

- Experience transitioning propulsion modules or feed systems into serial or high-rate production.

- Experience authoring hazardous operations procedures and supporting range approval processes.

- Familiarity with propellant compatibility, cleanliness, and contamination control requirements.

- Experience owning subsystem schedule, budget, and technical risk.

#LI-MO1

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.