Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer - Hall Thruster Lead

Apex Technology, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Comprehensive healthcare

PTO 15–20 days

401(k) with generous matching

Parental leave

Catered lunch

Vibrant office culture

Job summary

Apex Technology, Inc. is seeking a Staff Electric Propulsion Engineer with deep Hall-effect thruster expertise to own end-to-end thruster design, from plasma physics to qualification and flight integration, at our Playa Vista, CA site.

You will set the technical roadmap, drive design trades, lead test campaigns, and mentor propulsion engineers as we scale EP capability for spaceflight and production across our spacecraft platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field with relevant propulsion experience.
• Deep hands-on knowledge of Hall thruster physics and design.
• Experience planning and executing thruster test campaigns in vacuum facilities.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end design of Hall-effect thrusters including discharge channel geometry, magnetic circuit design, and thermal‑mechanical packaging.
• Lead plasma physics and performance modeling for ionization, acceleration, and efficiency.
• Define and execute thruster test and life‑qualification campaigns with map, plume, thermal tests, and long‑duration life testing.

Skills

Hall thruster design

Discharge channel design

Magnetic circuit design

Plasma physics

Test campaigns

System integration

Mentoring engineers

Education

Bachelor's or Master degree in aerospace/ mechanical/ electrical

PhD in electric propulsion / plasma physics

Tools

Vacuum facilities

Diagnostics equipment

Job description

Apex Technology, Inc. is seeking a Staff Electric Propulsion Engineer with deep Hall-effect thruster expertise to own end-to-end thruster design, from plasma physics to qualification and flight integration, at our Playa Vista, CA site.

You will set the technical roadmap, drive design trades, lead test campaigns, and mentor propulsion engineers as we scale EP capability for spaceflight and production across our spacecraft platforms.