Propulsion Test Technician for Spacecraft Hardware (Equity)

Apex Space, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity opportunities

Healthcare benefits

PTO 15–20 days + holidays

401(k) with company match

Parental leave & travel assistance

Daily catered lunch & snacks

Office & team events

Job summary

Apex Space is seeking a Propulsion Test Technician in Playa Vista, CA to support hands-on testing of spacecraft propulsion hardware, including thrusters, flow controllers, and PPUs. You will set up, execute, and teardown tests, operate test stands and vacuum chambers, and work with engineers to keep testing safe and productive. The role requires 3+ years of hands-on test experience, strong mechanical skills, and the ability to read procedures and schematics.

Must be a U.S. Person per ITAR.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in a test, lab, manufacturing, maintenance, or similar technical environment.
• Hands-on experience using hand tools, power tools, torque tools, fasteners, tubing and fittings, and electrical cabling.
• Ability to read and follow technical procedures, engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot hardware and equipment issues.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate test and maintenance documentation.
• Safety‑first mindset and ability to work around pressurized systems, high voltage, vacuum equipment, and other hazardous operations.
• Ability to work effectively with engineers and technicians in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment.
• Must be a U.S. Person (ITAR) as defined by 22 CFR §120.15.

Responsibilities

• Set up, execute, and tear down propulsion tests on thrusters, flow controllers, PPUs, and related propulsion hardware.
• Operate propulsion test stands, vacuum chambers, pumping systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition equipment.
• Install and remove test articles, including fluid connections, electrical interfaces, sensors, instrumentation, and GSE.
• Perform pre‑test checkouts to verify hardware configuration, instrumentation, and test setup are correct and safe to operate.
• Execute test procedures and monitor hardware, instrumentation, and facility systems throughout testing.
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on test stands, vacuum chambers, pumps, instrumentation, and GSE.
• Troubleshoot test equipment and hardware issues alongside test and propulsion engineers to minimize downtime.
• Monitor equipment health and identify potential failures or maintenance needs before they impact testing.
• Maintain test cells, tooling, equipment, and consumables to ensure systems are organized, calibrated, and ready to run.
• Maintain accurate test logs, as‑run documentation, configuration records, and equipment maintenance history.
• Provide feedback to engineering on test procedures, tooling, equipment, and processes to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Follow safety requirements for vacuum systems, pressurized systems, high‑voltage hardware, and other hazardous operations.
• Support qualification and acceptance testing at production rate as Apex scales spacecraft manufacturing.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Safety‑conscious

Team collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Torque tools

Electrical cabling

Test instrumentation

Job description

Apex Space is seeking a Propulsion Test Technician in Playa Vista, CA to support hands-on testing of spacecraft propulsion hardware, including thrusters, flow controllers, and PPUs. You will set up, execute, and teardown tests, operate test stands and vacuum chambers, and work with engineers to keep testing safe and productive. The role requires 3+ years of hands-on test experience, strong mechanical skills, and the ability to read procedures and schematics.

Must be a U.S. Person per ITAR.