Propulsion Test Technician

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 Test Technician to support hands-on testing of spacecraft propulsion hardware, including thrusters, flow controllers, and power processing units (PPUs). You’ll be responsible for setting up, executing, and tearing down tests, operating test stands and vacuum chambers, maintaining test equipment, and working closely with engineers to keep propulsion testing safe, reliable, and moving at production rate.

Responsibilities:

- Set up, execute, and tear down propulsion tests on thrusters, flow controllers, PPUs, and related propulsion hardware.

- Operate propulsion test stands, vacuum chambers, pumping systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition equipment.

- Install and remove test articles, including fluid connections, electrical interfaces, sensors, instrumentation, and associated GSE.

- Perform pre-test checkouts to verify hardware configuration, instrumentation, and test setup are correct and safe to operate.

- Execute test procedures and monitor hardware, instrumentation, and facility systems throughout testing.

- Perform routine and preventive maintenance on test stands, vacuum chambers, pumps, instrumentation, and GSE.

- Troubleshoot test equipment and hardware issues alongside test and propulsion engineers to minimize downtime.

- Monitor equipment health and identify potential failures or maintenance needs before they impact testing.

- Maintain test cells, tooling, equipment, and consumables to ensure systems are organized, calibrated, and ready to run.

- Maintain accurate test logs, as-run documentation, configuration records, and equipment maintenance history.

- Provide feedback to engineering on test procedures, tooling, equipment, and processes to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency.

- Follow safety requirements for vacuum systems, pressurized systems, high-voltage hardware, and other hazardous operations.

- Support qualification and acceptance testing at production rate as Apex scales spacecraft manufacturing.

Requirements:

- High school diploma or equivalent.

- 3+ years of hands-on experience in a test, lab, manufacturing, maintenance, or similar technical environment.

- Hands-on experience using hand tools, power tools, torque tools, fasteners, tubing and fittings, and electrical cabling.

- Ability to read and follow technical procedures, engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions.

- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot hardware and equipment issues.

- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate test and maintenance documentation.

- Safety-first mindset and ability to work around pressurized systems, high voltage, vacuum equipment, and other hazardous operations.

- Ability to work effectively with engineers and technicians in a fast-paced, hands-on 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:

- Technical or vocational training, military technical experience, or an associate degree in a relevant field.

- Experience operating vacuum chambers, vacuum pumps, or other test and laboratory equipment.

- Experience installing and troubleshooting test instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.

- Experience with fluid systems, pressurized gases, propellant systems, or high-voltage electrical hardware.

- Experience supporting propulsion, aerospace, or spacecraft test operations.

- Experience with qualification, acceptance, or production-rate testing.

- Familiarity with preventive maintenance and calibration practices for test equipment and instrumentation.

- Experience working under range safety or hazardous operations requirements.

#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.