Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer

Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in aerospace is seeking a seasoned spacecraft electric propulsion engineer to drive the development of propulsion systems for satellite buses. You will design systems from a clean-sheet perspective, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with specifications while collaborating across teams. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits, contributing significantly to innovative aerospace solutions.

Benefits

Equity in Apex

Comprehensive healthcare

401(k) with matching

Paid parental leave

Daily lunch and snacks

Community events

Well-equipped office

Qualifications

• 6+ years of propulsion design and test experience.
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft systems.
• Ability to communicate supplier requirements effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design electric propulsion system architecture and develop specifications.
• Establish engine degradation model and perform filtration analysis.
• Collaborate with teams for integration with other subsystems.

Skills

Propulsion Knowledge

Fluidic Systems Design

Instrumentation

CAD Software (NX, SolidWorks)

Education

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

Tools

CAD Software

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

Apex is seeking a seasoned spacecraft electric propulsion engineer to join our closely integrated team, driving the development of our propulsion systems to meet the requirements of our spacecraft bus. You will have the opportunity to approach this from a clean-sheet design, guiding propulsion system architecture, integration, and testing to ensure optimal performance.

Responsibilities:

1. Design electric propulsion system architecture, develop product specifications, and maintain Technical Performance Metrics (TPMs) including power and mass budgets.
2. Define placement and integration of an electric propulsion system architecture.
3. Document and maintain detailed work instructions, process flow diagrams, assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) procedures for manufacturing operations.
4. Establish engine degradation model, perform filtration analysis, and demonstrate compliance to dedicated propulsion budgets (leak, power, thermal, etc.).
5. Design high-pressure fluidic systems, fluid system instrumentation, and control components (i.e., tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves, etc.).
6. Develop qualification and acceptance test plans and support tests per approved procedures, including environmental testing such as vibration, shock, and TVAC.
7. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate propulsion systems with other subsystems (e.g., electrical, thermal, structure).
8. Troubleshoot anomalies during manufacturing, lead investigation efforts, and ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) during all development stages.
9. Interface with customer/supplier relationships, conduct analyses, and provide support as needed.
10. Decompose SSCMAN 91-710 document into Requirements Verification Matrix (RVM), tailor requirements, and conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) for safety.
11. Conduct trade studies for electric propulsion components and suppliers, work with supply chain on quotations, and manage vendors.
12. Contribute to proposals and business development efforts.

Requirements:

1. U.S. Person status is required due to access to export-controlled data.
2. Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electric propulsion, or related aerospace engineering.
3. 6+ years of propulsion design and test experience.
4. Experience with handling and testing pressurized systems.
5. Strong knowledge of propulsion, spacecraft systems, and range safety (SSCMAN 91-710).
6. Ability to decompose supplier ICDs and communicate requirements effectively.
7. Experience designing fluidic systems, instrumentation, and control components.
8. Proficiency with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks).
9. Knowledge of manufacturing in a clean environment and AS9100 protocols.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Master's or Ph.D. in mechanical, electric propulsion, or related aerospace fields.
2. Experience operating leak, burst, and proof test facilities.
3. Experience leading electric propulsion hot-fire test campaigns, including high-voltage power and fluid systems, data acquisition, thrust stands, and plasma diagnostics.
4. Experience with electric propulsion operations in space.

Salary Range: $165,000 - $195,000 annually. This reflects the base salary range; additional benefits are offered. If your salary expectations differ, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits include equity in Apex, comprehensive healthcare, PTO, 401(k) with matching, paid parental leave, daily lunch and snacks, community events, a well-equipped office in Playa Vista, and opportunities to impact the aerospace industry.

Apex is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We evaluate all candidates and employees based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other protected statuses.