Senior Propulsion Engineer (Chemical)

Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

100% company-paid healthcare

15-20+ days vacation

401(k) plan with matching

Daily catered lunch

Parental leave and childcare reimbursement

Job summary

Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing in Los Angeles is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer (Chemical) to join their team. This role involves designing and testing chemical propulsion systems for spacecraft, engaging in cross-functional collaborations, and contributing to a growing startup backed by significant funding. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and have extensive experience in propulsion design. Apex offers competitive compensation and benefits including equity, comprehensive healthcare, and a strong community-focused work environment.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of propulsion design and test experience.
• Experience with handling and testing pressurized systems.
• Demonstrated history of designing fluidic systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and test chemical propulsion systems.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate propulsion systems.
• Develop qualification and acceptance test plans.

Skills

Propulsion design and testing

CAD software (NX, SolidWorks)

Experience with chemical propulsion systems

Fluidic systems design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace-related engineering

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.

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 said 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 another 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)
• 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 another aerospace‑related engineering discipline
• Experience operating leak, burst, proof test facilities
• Experience leading 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

Why Join Apex?

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast‑growing startup backed by $200M in Series D funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

Benefits for Full‑time Employees

• Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex
• 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: 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 and in‑person collaboration flexibility
• 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.

Compensation Range

$142K ‑ $192K