Lead Launch Engineer: Launch Campaigns & Systems Lead

Socket.dev; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Company-paid healthcare

Comprehensive PTO

401(k) with match

Parental leave

Catered lunch & snacks

Vibrant office culture

Playa Vista office

Impactful work

Job summary

Apex Technology, Inc. seeks a Lead Launch Engineer to own complex spacecraft missions and serve as the primary technical liaison with launch providers while leading launch campaigns. The role balances long-term strategic planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

You will mentor the launch engineering team, setup companywide integration processes, and ensure reliable vehicle launches across campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in spacecraft/launch vehicle integration, mission integration, or launch operations.
• Experience working with launch vehicle providers and ownership of launch campaigns.
• Hands-on satellite testing, integration, and environmental qualification.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate satellite payload integration with various launch vehicles.
• Define mission requirements, interfaces, and integration schedules with launch providers.
• Develop and maintain satellite launch plans, procedures, and readiness reviews.
• Oversee satellite transportation, handling, and pre-launch processing at launch sites.
• Ensure compatibility between satellite and launch vehicle interfaces (mechanical/electrical/environmental).
• Support environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC) to validate readiness.
• Interface with regulatory agencies to secure launch approvals and compliance.
• Provide real-time technical support during launch campaigns and anomaly resolution.
• Collaborate with mechanical, avionics, and systems engineers to optimize processes.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Job description

Apex Technology, Inc. seeks a Lead Launch Engineer to own complex spacecraft missions and serve as the primary technical liaison with launch providers while leading launch campaigns. The role balances long-term strategic planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

You will mentor the launch engineering team, setup companywide integration processes, and ensure reliable vehicle launches across campaigns.