Payloads Mechanical Engineer - Spacecraft Hardware + Equity

Apex Space, Inc.; Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Healthcare coverage

PTO 15–20 days

401(k) matching

Parental leave

Lunch provided

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Apex Space, Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Engineer, Payloads to join our satellite engineering team in Los Angeles.

You will design, integrate, and test payload hardware and supporting structures across spacecraft programs, collaborating with structures, thermal, avionics, manufacturing, and systems teams to ensure flight-ready hardware from concept to launch. We value hands-on problem solving, strong CAD skills (NX, SolidWorks), GD&T experience, and a collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• U.S. Person status required for export-controlled access.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical hardware.
• Proficiency in CAD software for 3D modeling and drafting (NX, SolidWorks).
• Strong hands-on problem-solving and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Experience developing engineering drawings and applying GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical designs and 3D models for payload hardware, mounting structures, brackets, enclosures, and supporting components.
• Own mechanical payload integration from initial concept and interface definition through design, manufacturing, assembly, and test.
• Define and manage mechanical interfaces between payloads, spacecraft structures, and other vehicle subsystems.
• Perform structural analysis and hand calculations to ensure payload hardware meets strength, stiffness, mass, and environmental requirements.
• Collaborate with payload, structures, thermal, avionics, RF, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to resolve integration challenges.
• Work directly with manufacturing and suppliers to support hardware fabrication and resolve issues.
• Support hands-on assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of payload and spacecraft hardware.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

Mechanical design

Structural analysis

GD&T

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Eng

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Teamcenter

Job description

Apex Space, Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Engineer, Payloads to join our satellite engineering team in Los Angeles.

You will design, integrate, and test payload hardware and supporting structures across spacecraft programs, collaborating with structures, thermal, avionics, manufacturing, and systems teams to ensure flight-ready hardware from concept to launch. We value hands-on problem solving, strong CAD skills (NX, SolidWorks), GD&T experience, and a collaborative mindset.