Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to develop and optimize designs for satellite structures and components. This role involves structural analyses, material selection, and collaboration with various subsystems, contributing to cutting-edge aerospace projects.

Benefits

Shared equity participation

Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision plans

Generous PTO package

401(k) plan with matching

Paid parental leave

Daily lunch and unlimited snacks

Community events and gatherings

World-class office environment

Qualifications

• Requires 5+ years experience in mechanical design, preferably in the aerospace industry.
• Strong understanding of structural analysis techniques and drafting standards (GD&T).
• Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes and environmental testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical designs for satellite structures and components.
• Conduct structural analyses to ensure compliance with performance requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for system integration.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Structural Analysis

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (a plus)

Tools

CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks)

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.

Apex is seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join our satellite engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing mechanical designs and models for satellite structures, subsystems, and components. You will conduct structural analyses to ensure performance and reliability, while optimizing designs for weight, material selection, and manufacturability.

Responsibilities:

• Develop mechanical designs and models for satellite structures, subsystems, and components.

• Conduct structural analyses to ensure compliance with performance and reliability requirements.

• Optimize designs for weight reduction, material selection, and manufacturability.

• Evaluate and select appropriate materials and processes for satellite mechanical systems.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical systems with other subsystems (e.g., electrical, thermal, propulsion).

• Participate in the assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) process of satellite hardware.

• Perform environmental testing, such as statics, vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum tests, to validate mechanical designs.

• Prepare technical documentation, including engineering drawings, specifications, and test reports.

• Maintain accurate records of design changes, test results, and other engineering documentation.

• Generate comprehensive reports and presentations to communicate design concepts, analysis results, and recommendations to stakeholders.

• Stay updated with the latest advancements in satellite engineering and mechanical design technologies.

• Identify areas for improvement in design methodologies, manufacturing processes, and quality control.

• Contribute to research and development projects aimed at enhancing satellite performance and capabilities.

Requirements:

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design and analysis, preferably in the aerospace or satellite industry.

• Proficiency in CAD software for 3D modeling and drafting (e.g., NX, SolidWorks).

• Strong understanding of structural analysis techniques, including finite element analysis (FEA) and hand calculations.

• Strong understanding of drafting standards such as GD&T.

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes for aerospace-grade materials and components.

• Knowledge of environmental testing procedures and standards for space applications. Familiarity with testing above is a plus.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Effective communication skills to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.

• Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.

• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations, such as ASME, ASTM, and NASA guidelines.

Salary Range: $165,000 - $195,000 a year

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

Benefits

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 offer the following benefits:

• Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.

• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision plans. The primaryanddependents’premium is 99%+ covered.

• Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package,to reset and recharge.

• Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.

• Paid parentalleave.

• Daily lunchandunlimited snacks!

• Community events likemonthlyoffice BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club and more!

• Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.

• A world class office located in Playa Vista, filled with amazing coworkers and social gatherings for you and your family.

• An opportunity to make a real impactin the aerospace industry.

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.