Propulsion Integration Lead for Flight-Ready Spacecraft

Apex Space, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Healthcare coverage including medical,

PTO 15+ days per year

401(k) with company match

8 weeks parental leave

Catered lunch

Office in Playa Vista

Career development & growth

Job summary

Apex Space, Inc. is seeking a Lead Propulsion Integration Engineer to own propulsion modules on our spacecraft, from requirements through design, integration, servicing, and launch. You will lead the propulsion integration team, define architecture, and ensure flight-ready modules meet mass, cost, and power budgets.

You will work across systems, structures, thermal, avionics, power, and program management, driving manufacturing and testing readiness while maintaining safety and range compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, propulsion engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of spacecraft propulsion or related hardware development experience.
• Experience leading engineers as a technical lead, people manager, or both.
• Hands-on experience with propulsion module and feed-system design, including tank sizing and selection, structural integration, fluid routing, and component selection.
• Experience owning hardware against vehicle-level requirements, ICDs, and mass, cost, and power budgets.
• Hands-on propulsion hardware servicing, including fill/drain operations, procedures, and ground support equipment.
• Knowledge of range safety requirements for hazardous spacecraft operations.
• Proven track record taking flight propulsion hardware from design through build, integration, test, and launch.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills and ability to represent propulsion in vehicle-level decisions.
• U.S. Person per ITAR requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the propulsion module integration team with high technical rigor and ownership.
• Own propulsion module architecture across Apex spacecraft platforms, including tank sizing, structure, mounting, feed-system routing, and interfaces.
• Translate vehicle requirements into propulsion module designs, including propellant and delta‑v budgets.
• Deliver flight-ready modules within mass, cost, and power constraints while meeting ICDs.
• Ensure module interfaces meet structural, environmental, and verification requirements.
• Oversee spacecraft propellant servicing, including fill/drain operations, procedures, and ground support equipment.
• Ensure hazardous servicing operations meet range requirements and safety documentation.

Skills

Technical leadership

Propulsion integration

Systems engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, propulsion engineering, or related field

Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, propulsion engineering, or related field

Job description

Apex Space, Inc. is seeking a Lead Propulsion Integration Engineer to own propulsion modules on our spacecraft, from requirements through design, integration, servicing, and launch. You will lead the propulsion integration team, define architecture, and ensure flight-ready modules meet mass, cost, and power budgets.

You will work across systems, structures, thermal, avionics, power, and program management, driving manufacturing and testing readiness while maintaining safety and range compliance.