Mechanisms Engineer, Payloads

Socket.dev; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)

PTO / vacation package

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Lunch and snacks

Office events and community

Playa Vista office

Job summary

Apex Technology, Inc. is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer, Payloads to design, test, and own deployment mechanisms for spacecraft. You will develop CAD models, perform analyses, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure reliability in space environments.

You will lead from concept through flight hardware, supporting assembly, integration and testing, with a focus on robust, repeatable performance in challenging space conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical hardware.
• Proficiency in CAD software NX and SolidWorks.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Hands-on problem solving in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop payload deployment and articulation mechanisms.
• Own mechanism hardware from concept through design, manufacturing, integration and test.
• Develop 3D CAD models, drawings, tolerance analyses, and GD&T.
• Perform hand calculations and analyses for loads and life.
• Select and integrate components such as motors, bearings, springs and actuators.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanisms with spacecraft.
• Support hands-on assembly, integration, troubleshooting and testing.
• Develop functional, life-cycle and environmental testing.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD - NX

CAD - SolidWorks

GD&T

Tolerance analysis

Hands-on problem solving

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

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 seeking a skilled Mechanisms Engineer, Payloads to join our satellite engineering team. In this role, you will design, develop, and test payload deployment and articulation mechanisms, including hinges, latches, actuators, release mechanisms, and other moving assemblies. You will own mechanism hardware from concept through flight, with a focus on reliable operation in the space environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop payload deployment and articulation mechanisms, including hinges, latches, actuators, release mechanisms, and moving assemblies.
• Own mechanism hardware from concept through design, manufacturing, integration, and test.
• Develop 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, tolerance analyses, and GD&T.
• Perform hand calculations and analysis to evaluate loads, kinematics, stiffness, life, and mechanism performance.
• Select and integrate components such as motors, bearings, springs, fasteners, and actuators.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanisms with spacecraft and payload systems.
• Support hands‑on assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and testing of hardware.
• Develop and execute functional, life‑cycle, and environmental testing.
• Work with manufacturing and suppliers to resolve hardware and production issues.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical hardware.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks).
• Strong understanding of mechanical design fundamentals, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
• Strong hands‑on problem‑solving skills and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing deployment, articulation, or electromechanical mechanisms for spacecraft, aerospace, robotics, or similar systems.
• Experience with actuators, hinges, latches, release mechanisms, motors, bearings, or other mechanism components.
• Experience taking mechanisms from concept through manufacturing, integration, and test.
• Experience with kinematic, structural, or mechanism analysis.
• Experience with environmental and life‑cycle testing.
• Experience with NX and Teamcenter.

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 that has raised more than $500M in 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 socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and 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 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

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.