Senior Hall-Effect Thruster Engineer Lead Design Production

Hardware FYI; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Healthcare

PTO 15–20 days

401(k) matching

Parental leave

Catered lunch

Playa Vista office

Job summary

Apex Technology, Inc. is seeking a Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer to own Hall-effect thruster design from plasma physics to production-ready hardware. This senior IC role offers leadership in test campaigns, life-qualification, and integration with propulsion, power, and thermal teams.

You will shape hardware, processes, and manufacturing for flight and serial production, mentor engineers, and contribute to the growth of Apex’s Hall thruster capabilities.

Qualifications

• Requires 6+ years in electric propulsion with Hall thruster focus (or PhD with 3+ years).
• Proven hands-on experience from design through testing and life campaigns.
• Deep knowledge of discharge channel, magnetic circuit, and thermal management.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end Hall thruster design and development, including channel geometry and packaging.
• Lead thruster test campaigns, performance mapping and life testing in vacuum.
• Collaborate with propulsion, power, thermal and structures teams for interfaces.

Skills

Hall thruster design

Plasma diagnostics

Vacuum test campaigns

Thermal management

Mechanical design

Systems integration

ICD decomposition

US ITAR compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace/ME/EP

PhD in EP or related field (with 3+ years experience)

Tools

PIC simulations

magnetic FEA

Vacuum facilities

Job description

Apex Technology, Inc. is seeking a Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer to own Hall-effect thruster design from plasma physics to production-ready hardware. This senior IC role offers leadership in test campaigns, life-qualification, and integration with propulsion, power, and thermal teams.

You will shape hardware, processes, and manufacturing for flight and serial production, mentor engineers, and contribute to the growth of Apex’s Hall thruster capabilities.