Mechanical Design Engineer - Solar Array (Mid)

Rocket Lab; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer specializing in solar arrays. The position involves hands-on design and analysis, contributing to critical spacecraft systems. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and experience in space applications. Exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the industry.

Benefits

Equity in the company

100% company-paid healthcare

Comprehensive PTO package starting at 15 days

401(k) plan with generous matching

Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in designing for space applications.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical tolerancing practices.
• Familiarity with space mechanism components.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical design of solar array subassemblies.
• Perform engineering analyses: structural, dynamic, thermal.
• Create and maintain documentation including BOMs and drawings.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Structural analysis

Thermal analysis

Dynamic analysis

GD&T

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

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 looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer – Solar Array to help us design, analyze, and qualify the mechanical systems that make our solar arrays deploy and function flawlessly. This role is deeply hands-on and highly cross-functional—you’ll go from concept sketches to flight-qualified hardware in a fast-paced environment where your work will be critical to mission success.

Responsibilities:

• Own the mechanical design of solar array subassemblies and related deployment mechanisms

• Drive system-level and component-level trade studies to identify optimal mechanical configurations

• Build CAD models across the full design lifecycle—from concept to detailed, manufacturable parts

• Perform engineering analyses, including structural, dynamic, and thermal simulations

• Define detailed manufacturing requirements through part drawings and documentation

• Create and maintain supporting documentation including BOMs, materials specs, and mass models

• Contribute to test plans and verification strategies, and participate in qualification campaigns

• Present designs and analysis at internal reviews and provide clear technical documentation

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline

• 3+ years of hands-on experience designing and qualifying mechanisms for space applications

• Strong CAD proficiency (NX preferred)

• Skilled in structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis methods and tools

• Fluent in GD&T and mechanical tolerancing practices

• Familiarity with components commonly used in space mechanisms (e.g., motors, hinges, actuators, bearings, hold-down systems)

• Understanding of electromechanical systems and motor control electronics

• Experience with design-for-manufacturing (DFM/DFX) principles

• Comfortable supporting environmental testing (vibe, shock, thermal, thermal-vacuum)

• Excellent communication, organization, and technical presentation skills

Compensation

Salary Range: $115,000 - $145,000 a year

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

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 C funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

What We Offer:

• 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

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.

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.