Payloads Mechanical Engineer — Spacecraft Hardware & Integration

Apex Technology, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Healthcare

PTO

401(k)

Parental leave

Lunch program

Playa Vista office

Impactful work

Job summary

Apex Technology, Inc. in Playa Vista, CA, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer, Payloads, to join our satellite engineering team.

You will design, integrate, and test payload hardware and supporting structures across spacecraft programs, working with teams from payload to systems engineering to ensure flight-ready hardware from concept through launch. You will perform structural analysis, develop detailed drawings with GD&T, and lead interface control efforts while collaborating with manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years experience designing and developing mechanical hardware.
• Proficiency in CAD software for 3D modeling and drafting (NX, SolidWorks).
• Strong understanding of mechanical design fundamentals, including structural design, material selection, fasteners, and tolerance analysis.
• Experience developing engineering drawings and applying GD&T.
• Hands-on problem-solving in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• U.S. Person status is required for access to export-controlled data.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical designs and 3D models for payload hardware and supporting components.
• Own mechanical payload integration from concept to test.
• Define mechanical interfaces between payloads and spacecraft structures.
• Perform structural analysis and hand calculations for strength, stiffness, mass, and environment.
• Optimize designs for mass, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Create engineering drawings, GD&T, interfaces, and hardware specs.
• Select materials, fasteners, coatings, and manufacturing processes for flight hardware.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve integration challenges.
• Support hardware fabrication, assembly, integration, and test (AIT).
• Develop and execute environmental tests (vibration, shock, thermal vacuum).
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues and drive resolution.
• Participate in design reviews, test readiness reviews, and technical reviews.
• Maintain engineering documentation and as-built configurations.

Skills

Structural design

Hand calculations

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Teamcenter

Job description

Apex Technology, Inc. in Playa Vista, CA, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer, Payloads, to join our satellite engineering team.

You will design, integrate, and test payload hardware and supporting structures across spacecraft programs, working with teams from payload to systems engineering to ensure flight-ready hardware from concept through launch. You will perform structural analysis, develop detailed drawings with GD&T, and lead interface control efforts while collaborating with manufacturing