Lead Mission Integration Engineer

Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity sharing

100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision

15+ days of paid vacation

Daily catered lunch

Monthly office events

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Los Angeles is seeking a Lead Mission Integration Engineer. This role involves defining mission architecture, mentoring a team, and serving as the technical liaison for complex spacecraft missions. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in mission integration and strong leadership capabilities. The position offers competitive compensation ranging from $175,000 to $210,000, alongside excellent benefits and a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of mission integration, payload integration, or spacecraft systems engineering experience.
• 2+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of space systems and mission operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mission integration team in defining mission architecture.
• Serve as the senior technical liaison for design reviews.
• Support business development with technical proposal development.

Skills

Mission integration experience

Leadership

Aerospace engineering understanding

Mission analysis tools proficiency

Payload integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

STK

Job description

Join to apply for the Lead Mission Integration Engineer role at Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing

Compensation Range: $175,000 - $210,000

About The Role

As the Lead Mission Integration Engineer, you will define and own end‑to‑end mission architecture while leading a team responsible for ensuring seamless integration between spacecraft systems, customers, and mission operations. You will be responsible for mentoring, tasking, and overall direction of the mission integration team, serving as the primary technical liaison for complex spacecraft missions. In this role, you will balance long‑term strategic mission planning with short‑term technical execution with a balance of roughly fifty percent management and fifty percent individual contributor work. We are looking for experienced engineers who are eager to solve complex mission integration challenges with a focus on practicality and scalability, and who thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced aerospace environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mission integration team in defining end‑to‑end mission architecture, including spacecraft, launch vehicle, ground systems, and operations per customer requirements
• Own mission analysis capabilities across orbital mechanics, trajectory planning, and spacecraft deployment strategies while mentoring team members in advanced analysis techniques
• Serve as the senior technical liaison between internal technical teams and customers, leading critical design reviews and mission readiness assessments
• Direct technical assessments including coupled loads analysis (CLA), thermal analysis, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and mission‑specific budgets across multiple concurrent missions
• Lead payload integration activities and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to establish integration procedures and technical roadmaps for future missions
• Support business development efforts by leading technical proposal development, feasibility studies, and cost estimation for future missions

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data
• 8+ years of total mission integration, payload integration, or spacecraft systems engineering experience
• 2+ years of leadership experience or senior technical role managing engineering teams
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Strong understanding of space systems, launch vehicle mechanics, orbital dynamics, and mission operations with proven track record of successful mission deliveries
• Advanced proficiency in mission analysis tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, MATLAB, Python) and experience working with prime contractors or government entities in technical leadership capacity
• Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or rideshare mission integration across multiple vehicle classes

Preferred Requirements

• Familiarity with flight software, embedded systems, and space communications protocols (CCSDS, S‑band, X‑band, etc.)
• Previous spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload engineering experience in leadership roles within satellite manufacturing or related aerospace industries
• Strong background in system‑level failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and reliability engineering methodologies

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 backed by $200M in Series D 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 BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social 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 EV chargers, 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

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

Defense and Space Manufacturing

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.