Lead Launch Engineer — Satellite Missions & Campaigns

Apex Technology, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Comprehensive healthcare

PTO + holidays

401(k) matching

Parental leave

Catered lunch

Job summary

Apex Technology, Inc. in Playa Vista, Los Angeles area, is seeking a Lead Launch Engineer to own complex spacecraft missions and serve as the primary technical liaison with launch providers while leading launch campaigns.

You will set up companywide launch integration processes, mentor the engineering team, and balance long-term mission planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• U.S. Person status is required due to export controlled data.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in spacecraft/launch vehicle integration, mission integration, or launch operations.
• Experience working with launch vehicle providers.
• Previous launch campaign ownership.
• Hands-on satellite testing, integration, and environmental qualification.
• Proven track record of managing complex projects with multiple interdependent tasks.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate integration of satellite payloads with launch vehicles, including propulsion loading and separation system integration.
• 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 across interfaces.
• Support environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC) to validate readiness.
• Conduct system-level checkouts and troubleshooting during pre-launch and countdown.
• Interface with regulatory agencies to secure launch approvals and compliance.
• Provide real-time technical support during launch campaigns, including anomaly resolution.
• Collaborate with internal teams to optimize satellite integration processes.

Skills

Launch integration

Project management

Leadership

Cross-team collaboration

Mechanical/electrical interfaces

Environmental testing

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Apex Technology, Inc. in Playa Vista, Los Angeles area, is seeking a Lead Launch Engineer to own complex spacecraft missions and serve as the primary technical liaison with launch providers while leading launch campaigns.

You will set up companywide launch integration processes, mentor the engineering team, and balance long-term mission planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced aerospace environment.