Mechanical Design Engineer – Solar Array (Mid)

Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading spacecraft manufacturing company is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for solar arrays. This hands-on position involves designing, analyzing, and qualifying systems critical to mission success in aerospace. The role offers a dynamic environment where innovative solutions shape the future of space technology.

Benefits

Equity in Apex

Top-tier healthcare, dental, and vision plans

Comprehensive PTO

Competitive 401(k) plan with matching

Paid parental leave

Daily lunch and unlimited snacks

Community events like monthly office BBQs

Ideal desk setup and tools

World-class office in Playa Vista

Opportunity to make an impact in aerospace

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience designing mechanisms for space applications.
• Strong skills in CAD and analysis methods.
• Familiarity with mechanical tolerancing and components used in space mechanisms.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

CAD proficiency

Structural analysis methods

Thermal analysis methods

Dynamic analysis methods

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

NX

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 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.

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 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:

1. Own the mechanical design of solar array subassemblies and related deployment mechanisms
2. Drive system-level and component-level trade studies to identify optimal mechanical configurations
3. Build CAD models across the full design lifecycle—from concept to detailed, manufacturable parts
4. Perform engineering analyses, including structural, dynamic, and thermal simulations
5. Define detailed manufacturing requirements through part drawings and documentation
6. Create and maintain supporting documentation including BOMs, materials specs, and mass models
7. Contribute to test plans and verification strategies, and participate in qualification campaigns
8. Present designs and analysis at internal reviews and provide clear technical documentation

Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
2. 3+ years of hands-on experience designing and qualifying mechanisms for space applications
3. Strong CAD proficiency (NX preferred)
4. Skilled in structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis methods and tools
5. Fluent in GD&T and mechanical tolerancing practices
6. Familiarity with components used in space mechanisms (e.g., motors, hinges, actuators, bearings, hold-down systems)
7. Understanding of electromechanical systems and motor control electronics
8. Experience with design-for-manufacturing principles
9. Comfort supporting environmental testing (vibe, shock, thermal, thermal-vacuum)
10. Excellent communication, organization, and technical presentation skills

Salary Range: $115,000 - $145,000 annually. The stated range reflects targeted base salary and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside this range, we still encourage you to apply.

Benefits:

• Shared upside: equity in Apex, allowing you to benefit from your work
• Top-tier healthcare, dental, and vision plans, with 99%+ coverage for primary and dependents
• Comprehensive PTO to reset and recharge
• Competitive 401(k) plan with matching
• Paid parental leave
• Daily lunch and unlimited snacks
• Community events like monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club, and more
• Your ideal desk setup and tools to maximize productivity
• A world-class office in Playa Vista with great coworkers and social events
• An opportunity to make a significant impact in the aerospace industry

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apex Technology, Inc. celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We evaluate candidates based on merit, qualifications, and performance, and do not discriminate based on race, color, gender, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other protected statuses.