Mission Operations Engineer

Apex Space, Inc.; Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shared upside: equity

Best-in-class healthcare

Comprehensive PTO

401(k) with matching

Parental leave

Catered lunch and snacks

Vibrant community

Playa Vista office

Real impact opportunity

Job summary

Apex Space, Inc. is seeking an experienced Mission Operations Engineer to own all aspects of operating our satellites, including mission planning, onboard and ground-based automation, fault protection, anomaly response, and long-term mission success.

This role partners with internal engineers and external customers to tailor our productized approach per mission needs. You will lead commissioning during launch, monitor satellites in real time, and drive automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of direct mission operations experience including mission planning, commissioning, and anomaly resolution.
• U.S. Person status is required to access export-controlled data.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and execute mission plans and operations products for flight vehicles.
• Own the roadmap, processes, and operations products for one of Apex's satellite bus lines.
• Lead spacecraft commissioning during launch and early operations.
• Operate and monitor satellites in real time, including anomaly detection, safing, and recovery.
• Drive fault protection strategies and automation for both onboard and ground systems.
• Analyze telemetry and mission data to assess spacecraft health, performance, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve anomalies and improve system reliability.
• Standardize mission operations practices across spacecraft programs.
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior engineers.

Skills

Mission operations

Python

C++

Rust

Telemetry analysis

Automation

Real-time systems

Anomaly resolution

Fault protection

Teamwork

Customer-facing

Education

BSc in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

STK

GMAT

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

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Mission Operations Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will own all aspects of operating our satellites - covering mission planning, onboard and ground-based automation, fault protection, anomaly response, and long-term mission success. You will work closely with both internal engineering teams and external customers to adapt our productized approach to each mission's needs, while helping shape our processes, products, and spacecraft designs. This role requires strong technical depth in spacecraft systems and mission operations, as well as the ability to lead critical responses under pressure.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, validate, and execute mission plans and operations products for flight vehicles.

• Own the roadmap, processes, and operations products for one of Apex's satellite bus lines.

• Lead spacecraft commissioning during launch and early operations.

• Operate and monitor satellites in real time, including anomaly detection, safing, and recovery.

• Drive fault protection strategies and automation for both onboard and ground systems.

• Analyze telemetry and mission data to assess spacecraft health, performance, and outcomes.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve anomalies and improve system reliability.

• Standardize mission operations practices across spacecraft programs.

• Serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior engineers.

Requirements:

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

• 3+ years of direct mission operations experience, including mission planning, commissioning, and anomaly resolution

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Rust

• Experience with software integration, testing, and validation for real-time and distributed systems

• Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems (propulsion, avionics, communications, etc.)

• Experience with telemetry data analysis, automation, and mission operations software

• Knowledge of satellite operations software (e.g., STK, GMAT, or similar)

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure

• Strong communication, teamwork, and customer-facing abilities

#LI-HC1

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.