Space Vehicle Systems Engineer

Telemetry Today LLC; Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Healthcare coverage

PTO 15-20 days

401(k) matching

Parental leave

Lunch served daily

Community events

Ergonomic desk setup

Playa Vista office

Impactful work

Job summary

Apex is seeking a Space Vehicle Systems Engineer to drive system-level design, integration, and verification for commercial and government programs. You will define space vehicle architecture from mission goals, allocate requirements, and ensure interfaces align so the vehicle operates as a cohesive unit.

You will act as a technical anchor between internal teams, government customers, and payload partners, translating requirements, presenting at reviews, and guiding execution to milestones with

Qualifications

• Active TS or TS/SCI clearance required.
• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering/physics field; advanced degree a plus.
• 5+ years of systems engineering experience in spacecraft/aerospace/defense hardware.
• Strong grounding in systems engineering, requirements mgmt, and V&V.
• Familiar with spacecraft subsystems and interdependencies.
• Experience with mission analysis or modeling tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define spacecraft-level architecture and requirements with traceability across lifecycle.
• Lead system-level trade studies, risk analyses, and simulations.
• Develop and maintain system documentation and ICDs; manage technical budgets.
• Coordinate subsystem integration and interface cross-domain compatibility.
• Analyze test data, isolate anomalies, drive resolution with teams.
• Identify risks, develop mitigations, track to closure; support FMEA.

Skills

Top Secret clearance

Spacecraft systems engineering

Requirements management

Python/MATLAB

DOORS

SysML

NASA/INCOSE standards

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Physics

Tools

Jira

DOORS

SysML

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 looking for a Space Vehicle Systems Engineer to support system-level design, integration, and verification over the lifecycle of commercial and government programs. In this role you'll define space vehicle architecture from mission objectives, allocate and trace requirements down to the subsystem level, and hold the interfaces together so that every element operates as one coherent vehicle.

Because our work supports national security missions, you'll also serve as a technical anchor between internal engineering teams, government customers, and external payload partners—translating requirements, presenting at design reviews, and driving disciplined execution against program milestones. This is a broad, hands-on systems role for an engineer who's comfortable moving fluidly between deep technical analysis, cross-disciplinary coordination, and customer-facing communication.

Responsibilities:

• Define and manage spacecraft-level and space vehicle architecture and requirements derived from mission goals, maintaining traceability across the full lifecycle.
• Lead system-level trade studies, risk analyses, and simulations to guide design decisions across competing performance, cost, and schedule constraints.
• Own the development and upkeep of system documentation, including specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between bus and payload, and technical budgets.
• Coordinate subsystem integration and enforce interface compatibility across electrical, mechanical, thermal, and software domains.
• Analyze test and integration data, isolate anomalies, and drive resolution alongside subsystem and verification teams.
• Identify and assess technical risks, develop mitigation plans, and track them to closure; support FMEA and broader reliability efforts.
• Support and present at major program and design reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR), ensuring technical readiness and compliance.
• Align technical activities to program schedules and milestones, and advise program leadership on cost-driving technical decisions.
• Engage directly with government customers and partners to capture requirements, resolve technical issues, and represent Apex in reviews and status updates.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both engineering and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute lessons learned and standardized practices that improve execution on future missions.

Requirements:

• Active Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance required; ability to obtain and maintain access to additional programs as needed.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field; advanced degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of systems engineering experience, preferably in spacecraft, aerospace, or defense hardware development.
• Strong grounding in systems engineering principles, requirements management, and verification and validation methodologies.
• Working knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and their interdependencies, including attitude control, power, thermal, propulsion, communications, and command and data handling.
• Proficiency in requirements management tools and systems engineering software (e.g., DOORS, Jira, SysML).
• Knowledge of industry standards and best practices, such as INCOSE standards and NASA systems engineering guidelines.
• Experience with mission analysis or modeling tools such as Python, MATLAB, STK, GMAT, or FreeFlyer is a plus.
• Familiarity with space communications protocols and standards (e.g., CCSDS, S-band, X-band) is a plus.
• Prior experience supporting government customers, prime contractors, or DoD program reviews strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and juggle priorities in a fast-paced environment.

#LI-HC1

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 that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

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 socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and 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 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

Additional Information:

Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full-time hires are also eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Apex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here .

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.