Senior Launch Engineer - Satellite Integration & Campaigns

Apex; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Company-paid healthcare

Life insurance

PTO & holidays

401(k) matching

Parental leave

Lunch & snacks

Office in Playa Vista

Community events

Job summary

Apex seeks an experienced Lead Launch Engineer to own complex spacecraft missions and serve as the primary technical liaison between internal teams and launch providers. The role balances long-term mission planning with short-term technical execution, guiding a capable launch engineering team in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

The candidate will oversee launch integration processes, ensure vehicle compatibility, mentor staff, and support environmental testing and regulatory compliance at

Qualifications

• U.S. Person status is required to access export controlled data.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of spacecraft/launch vehicle integration, mission integration, or launch operations.
• Experience with launch vehicle providers and previous launch campaign ownership.
• Hands-on satellite testing, integration, and environmental qualification.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects with interdependent tasks.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate satellite payload integration with launch vehicles, including propulsion loading and separation system interfaces.
• Define mission requirements, interfaces, and integration schedules with launch providers.
• Develop and maintain satellite launch plans, procedures, and readiness reviews.
• Oversee satellite transport, handling, and pre-launch processing at launch sites.
• Ensure mechanical, electrical, and environmental interface compatibility between satellite and launch vehicle.
• Support environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC) to validate readiness.
• Conduct system-level checkouts and troubleshoot during pre-launch and countdown operations.
• Interface with regulatory agencies to secure launch approvals and ensure compliance.
• Provide real-time technical support during launch campaigns and resolve anomalies.
• Collaborate with mechanical, avionics, and systems engineers to optimize integration processes.

Skills

Launch integration

Team leadership

Vendor coordination

Systems engineering

Environmental testing

Project management

Education

Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Apex seeks an experienced Lead Launch Engineer to own complex spacecraft missions and serve as the primary technical liaison between internal teams and launch providers. The role balances long-term mission planning with short-term technical execution, guiding a capable launch engineering team in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

The candidate will oversee launch integration processes, ensure vehicle compatibility, mentor staff, and support environmental testing and regulatory compliance at