Lead Launch Engineer

apex-technology-inc; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Healthcare

Paid time off

401(k) matching

Parental leave

Daily lunch + snacks

Job summary

Apex Technology, Inc. is seeking an experienced Lead Launch Engineer to own complex spacecraft mission integration and act as the primary technical liaison with launch providers.

The role leads launch campaigns and shapes companywide integration processes for reliable vehicle launches. Responsibilities include mentoring a launch engineering team, coordinating with providers, and overseeing environmental testing, readiness reviews, and regulatory compliance in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• U.S. Person status required to access export controlled data.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant engineering fields.
• 7+ years in spacecraft/launch vehicle integration or launch operations.
• Experience with launch vehicle providers.
• Previous launch campaign ownership.
• Hands-on satellite testing, integration, and environmental qualification.
• Proven track record managing complex interdependent projects.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate satellite payload integration with multiple launch vehicles.
• Define mission requirements and interfaces with launch providers.
• Develop satellite launch plans, procedures, and readiness reviews.
• Oversee satellite transport, handling, and pre-launch processing.
• Ensure satellite–vehicle compatibility across interfaces (mechanical, electrical, environmental).
• Support environmental testing to validate launch readiness.
• Lead system-level checkouts and troubleshooting during countdowns.
• Interface with regulatory agencies for launch approvals and compliance.
• Provide real-time technical support during launches and resolve anomalies.
• Collaborate with mechanical, avionics, and systems engineers to optimize processes.

Skills

Launch integration

Spacecraft testing

Cross-team collaboration

Project management

Mentoring

Leadership

Regulatory interfacing

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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 an experienced, organized, and driven Lead Launch Engineer to join our expanding team. As a company at the forefront of space exploration and satellite technology, Apex is looking for an individual capable of owning complex spacecraft missions and serving as the primary technical liaison between our internal teams and launch providers while also leading launch campaigns.

The Lead Launch Engineer is responsible for setting up companywide launch integration processes to ensure our vehicles launch reliably, as well as mentoring, tasking, and directing the launch engineering team. This role balances long term strategic mission planning with short term technical execution, split roughly fifty percent management and fifty percent individual contributor work. We are looking for someone who solves complex launch integration challenges with a focus on practicality and scalability, works well across teams, and thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced aerospace environment.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate the integration of satellite payloads with various launch vehicles, including propulsion loading and separation system integration.

• Work closely with launch providers to define mission requirements, interfaces, and integration schedules.

• Develop and maintain satellite launch plans, procedures, and readiness reviews.

• Oversee satellite transportation, handling, and pre-launch processing at launch sites.

• Ensure compatibility between the satellite and launch vehicle, including mechanical, electrical, and environmental interfaces.

• Support environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC) to validate satellite launch readiness.

• Conduct system-level checkouts and troubleshooting during pre-launch and countdown operations.

• Interface with regulatory agencies to secure launch approvals and compliance with international spaceflight standards.

• Provide real-time technical support during launch campaigns, including anomaly resolution.

• Collaborate with internal teams, including mechanical, avionics, and systems engineers, to optimize satellite integration processes.

Requirements:

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• At least 7 years of experience in spacecraft/launch vehicle integration, mission integration, or launch operations.

• Experience working with launch vehicle providers.

• Previous launch campaign ownership.

• Hands‑on experience with satellite testing, integration, and environmental qualification.

• Proven track record of managing complex projects with multiple interdependent tasks.

Preferred:

• Leadership experience in satellite manufacturing or a related industry (aerospace, defense, or high‑tech).

• Experience mentoring or directing an engineering team.

• Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710 submittal processes.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other office productivity tools.

#LI-RC1

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 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

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.