Payload Mechanisms Engineer, Spacecraft Deployments

Apex Space, Inc.; Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Best-in-class healthcare

PTO 15–20 days + holidays

401(k) with matched contributions

Parental leave

Daily catered lunch and snacks

Vibrant Playa Vista office

Impactful aerospace work

Job summary

Apex Technology, Inc. in Los Angeles designs and builds satellite buses for diverse space payloads. The Mechanisms Engineer, Payloads will own mechanism hardware from concept through flight, focusing on reliable operation in space and collaborative integration with spacecraft systems.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, 3D CAD development, tolerance analysis, and working with manufacturing to resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.

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, SolidWorks).
• Strong understanding of mechanical design fundamentals, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.

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.

Skills

CAD NX/SolidWorks

GD&T

Mechanical design

Problem solving

Aerospace familiarity

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

SolidWorks

Job description

Apex Technology, Inc. in Los Angeles designs and builds satellite buses for diverse space payloads. The Mechanisms Engineer, Payloads will own mechanism hardware from concept through flight, focusing on reliable operation in space and collaborative integration with spacecraft systems.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, 3D CAD development, tolerance analysis, and working with manufacturing to resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.