Lead Spacecraft Launch Engineer — Mission Integration

Outsiders Fund; Northern, Los Angeles (KY, CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)

PTO 15–20 days + 10 holidays

401(k) matching

Parental leave (8 weeks)

Lunch provided daily

Playa Vista office

Career impact in aerospace

Job summary

Apex Technology, Inc. is seeking a Lead Launch Engineer to own complex spacecraft launch campaigns and serve as the primary technical liaison between internal teams and launch providers. The role balances management with hands-on execution and requires a proven track record in satellite integration and launch operations.

You will drive integration processes, mentor teams, and coordinate with providers to ensure on-time, compliant launches in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Launch integration

Cross‑functional collaboration

Project management

Mentoring

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace or Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Office productivity tools

Job description

Apex Technology, Inc. is seeking a Lead Launch Engineer to own complex spacecraft launch campaigns and serve as the primary technical liaison between internal teams and launch providers. The role balances management with hands-on execution and requires a proven track record in satellite integration and launch operations.

You will drive integration processes, mentor teams, and coordinate with providers to ensure on-time, compliant launches in a fast-paced aerospace environment.