Mission Integration Engineer - Payload I&T

Apex Space, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Healthcare coverage

PTO + holidays

401(k) matching

Parental leave

Free lunch

Job summary

Apex Space, Inc. is seeking a Mission Integration Engineer specializing in Payload Integration & Test to join our expanding team. The role owns the planning and execution of customer payload integration and SV level test campaigns on the spacecraft platform.

You will collaborate with customers to develop bus-to-payload integration procedures, plan testing, and travel to launch sites as needed. A background in aerospace engineering and U.S. Person status are required.

Qualifications

• U.S. Person status required due to export-controlled data access.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience with complex hardware systems (spacecraft preferred).
• Experience in satellite manufacturing or related industries (aerospace, defense, or high-tech).
• Strong understanding of space systems integration and test.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing timelines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and adapt to shifting demands.
• High attention to detail with concise and technical review content.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute payload integration and test campaigns on the cleanroom floor.
• Coordinate with customers to develop bus-to-payload integration procedures.
• Plan and execute space vehicle environmental testing (random vibration, quasi-static load, TVAC).
• Plan and execute SV-level functional testing to demonstrate integrated vehicle functionality.
• Support space vehicle propulsion load operations for dynamic testing and launch.
• Review results of CLA and thermal analyses for incorporation into test planning.
• Travel to launch sites for vehicle integration, system checkouts, and launch rehearsals.
• Develop and maintain customer system documentation, including specifications, interface control documents, and system design descriptions.
• Support requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities to ensure compliance with customer needs.
• Identify and assess technical risks and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to stakeholders.
• Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and project status updates.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Project coordination

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

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 Mission Integration Engineer specializing in Payload Integration & Test to join our expanding team. The Mission Integration team turns our foundational spacecraft platform into the backbone of customer missions. It is a hands‑on role owning the planning and execution of customer payload integration and SV level test campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Own the planning of space vehicle I&T campaigns and drive execution on the cleanroom floor.
• Work directly with customers to develop bus to payload integration procedures.
• Plan and execute space vehicle level environmental testing, including random vibration, quasi-static load, and TVAC.
• Plan and execute SV level functional testing to demonstrate integrated vehicle functionality.
• Support space vehicle propulsion load operations for dynamic testing and launch.
• Review results of coupled loads analysis (CLA) and thermal analysis for incorporation into test planning.
• Travel to launch sites for vehicle integration, system checkouts, and launch rehearsals.
• Develop and maintain customer system-level documentation, including specifications, interface control documents, and system design descriptions.
• Support requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities to ensure compliance with customer needs and industry standards.
• Identify and assess technical risks associated with system design, development, and operation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers, to ensure system integration and performance.
• Communicate technical concepts, requirements, and issues clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and project status updates.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status, as this position needs access to export-controlled data.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience working on complex hardware systems (spacecraft preferred).
• Experience in satellite manufacturing or related industries (aerospace, defense, or high‑tech).
• Strong understanding of space systems integration and test.
• Experience coordinating cross‑functional teams and managing timelines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and adapt to shifting demands.
• High attention to detail with a focus on delivering concise and technical review content.

Preferred

• Previous spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload engineering experience.
• Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or rideshare mission integration.
• Experience working with prime contractors or government entities.
• Familiarity with flight software, embedded systems, and space communications protocols (CCSDS, S-band, X-band, etc.).

#LI-RC1

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: Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

• Competitive 401(k) plan: 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: 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

Additional Information:

Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full‑time hires are also eligible for long‑term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and 401(k) retirement plan.

ITAR Requirements

Apex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here.

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.