Spacecraft Environmental Test Engineer

Apex Technology, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Premium healthcare

Comprehensive PTO 15-20 days + 10 paid

401(k) with generous match

8 weeks parental leave + childcare

Daily catered lunch and snacks

Vibrant Playa Vista office

Real impact opportunity

Job summary

Apex Technology, Inc. is seeking an experienced Environmental Test Engineer to design, implement, and manage environmental test protocols for spacecraft systems. You will ensure reliability by executing vibration, thermal cycling, TVAC, EMI/EMC, and pneumatic tests, and by analyzing results.

You will work with production, design, and QA teams to optimize test methods, troubleshoot issues, and advance testing processes in a fast-growing aerospace environment at the Playa Vista office.

Qualifications

• U.S. Persons status is required due to export-controlled data.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in environmental testing within the aerospace industry.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace testing standards, protocols, and regulations (MIL-STD-461, GSFC-STD-7000, SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-810).
• Experience operating and maintaining environmental testing equipment.
• Experience with instrumentation used during environmental testing (thermocouples, accelerometers, DAQ).
• Excellent analytical and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and manage test plans, procedures, protocols, and requirements for environmental testing including vibration, thermal cycling, TVAC, EMI/EMC, and pneumatic pressure testing.
• Set up, purchase, and maintain environmental testing equipment (vibration shakers, thermal chambers, etc.).
• Perform production and qualification environmental testing with functional and performance checks.
• Analyze test data, interpret results, and generate comprehensive test reports.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and address issues across spacecraft and test equipment.
• Collaborate with production, design, and quality assurance to resolve issues.
• Continuously improve testing processes to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Provide technical support to engineers and technicians.
• Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices in environmental testing.

Skills

Environmental testing

Vibration testing

Thermal cycling

EMI/EMC testing

Data acquisition

Instrumentation

Python

LabVIEW

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Vibration Shakers

Thermal Chambers

DAQs

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 an experienced and detail-oriented Environmental Test Engineer specializing in environmental testing and checkouts. This candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our space systems and components through testing procedures. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing test protocols & equipment that focus on simulating environmental conditions our spacecraft will encounter during their lifecycle

Responsibilities:

• Develop, execute, and manage test plans, procedures, protocols, and requirements for a variety of different types of environmental testing/checkouts – including vibration & shock testing, thermal cycling & TVAC testing, EMI/EMC testing, and pneumatic pressure testing
• Scope, purchase, set-up and maintain various pieces of environmental testing equipment (i.e. Vibration Shakers, Thermal Chambers, etc.)
• Perform both production & qualification level environmental testing, including functional and performance checks, to ensure compliance.
• Analyze test data, interpret results, and generate comprehensive test reports.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and action issues across several kinds of systems on both spacecraft and test equipment
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, design, and quality assurance to identify & resolve issues
• Continuously improve testing processes and methodologies to enhance both accuracy and efficiency.
• Provide technical support and guidance to engineers and technicians.
• Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices in environmental testing.

Requirements:

• U.S. Persons status is required as this position needs to access export-controlled data
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in environmental testing within the aerospace industry.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace testing standards, protocols, and regulations such as MIL-STD-461, GSFC-STD-7000, SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-810, etc.
• Experience with operating and maintaining environmental testing equipment.
• Experience and understanding of instrumentation used during environmental testing (i.e. thermocouples, accelerometers, DAQ’s, etc.)
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Differentiators:

• Certification in relevant aerospace standards
• Experience with avionics functional and/or pneumatic pressure testing
• Experience in programming (Python, LabVIEW, etc.)
• Experience bringing environmental testing to a high production rate
• Knowledge of data acquisition and analysis software

#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

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let’s build something extraordinary together.

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.