Senior Chemical Propulsion Engineer

Apex Technology, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in the company

100% company-paid healthcare

Comprehensive PTO package

Competitive 401(k) plan

8 weeks paid parental leave

Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks

Vibrant community events

Flexible work-life integration

World-class office amenities

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Los Angeles is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to design and build chemical propulsion systems. The role includes responsibilities for developing infrastructure and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal integration and performance. Candidates should have at least 6 years of experience in propulsion design, a relevant bachelor's degree, and the ability to work with export-controlled data. The position comes with competitive benefits and a vibrant work environment.

Qualifications

• U.S. Person status required for export controlled data access.
• 6+ years of propulsion design and test experience.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and test chemical propulsion systems.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate propulsion with subsystems.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing anomalies and lead investigations.

Skills

Propulsion design and test experience

Experience with mono and bi-propellant systems

Handling and testing pressurized systems

Designing fluidic systems

Experience with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks)

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

CAD software (NX, SolidWorks)

Job description

About the Role

Apex is seeking a seasoned Senior Propulsion Engineer (Chemical) to join our closely integrated team, driving the development of our chemical 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. You will also be the first chemical propulsion engineer at Apex Space, and will help build our chemical propulsion capabilities, team, and infrastructure from the ground up.

Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and test chemical propulsion systems
• Design and build propulsion infrastructure and test facilities
• Design propulsion system architecture, develop product specifications, and maintain Technical Performance Metrics (TPMs)
• Develop qualification and acceptance test plans and support testing
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate propulsion systems with other subsystems (e.g., electrical, thermal, structure).
• Troubleshoot anomalies that arise during manufacturing, lead investigation efforts, and ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) approaches are followed during all stages of development
• Directly interface with customer/supplier relationships, conduct analyses, and provide support (either virtual or onsite) as necessary.
• Contribute to proposals and business development efforts as needed.

Requirements:

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline.
• 6+ years of propulsion design and test experience
• Experience with mono and bi-propellant chemical propulsion systems
• Experience with handling and testing pressurized systems
• Demonstrated history of designing fluidic systems, fluid system instrumentation, and control components (i.e. tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves, etc.)
• Experience with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks)
• Working knowledge for manufacturing in a clean environment and following AS9100 protocols

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D in mechanical, propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline
• Experience operating leak, burst, proof test facilities
• Experience leading an hot-fire test campaigns (power and fluid delivery systems for ground test, data acquisition systems, thrust stands, and plume diagnostics).
• Experience with chemical propulsion operations in space

What We Offer For Full-time Employees:

• Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
• Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
• Comprehensive PTO package: to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
• Competitive 401(k) plan: with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
• 8 weeks paid parental leave: plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks: to keep you fueled throughout the day
• Vibrant community: Monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social gatherings for you and your family
• Your dream desk setup: and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
• World-class Playa Vista office: with EV chargers, with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
• Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.