Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer: Validation Lead

Apex; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)

PTO starting at 15 days, 20+ growth

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Lunch provided and snacks

Job summary

Apex in Playa Vista, CA, is seeking a Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer to own validation of flight hardware from first build through system testing. You will lead structural test campaigns across components and fully integrated spacecraft, coordinating with mechanical, avionics, and production teams.

The role emphasizes test automation in Python, data acquisition instrumentation, and troubleshooting to drive root-cause analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field.
• 3+ years of experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or complex structural testing.
• Background designing large-scale structural test stands or load application systems.
• Strong fundamentals in structural mechanics, including strength, stability, and fatigue.
• Experience with structural analysis (hand calcs and/or FEM) and test correlation.
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation and lab equipment (strain, load, pressure, thermal measurements).
• Experience designing, building, or operating structural test systems and hardware.
• Experience with test automation and scripting (Python or similar).
• Ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership environments with evolving requirements.

Responsibilities

• Own structural test strategy and execution across components, subsystems, and fully integrated spacecraft.
• Develop and operate fluid, hydraulic, and pressurized systems, including high-pressure and cryogenic environments.
• Design and integrate data acquisition and instrumentation (strain gauges, load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples).
• Write and automate test procedures and scripts (primarily Python) for execution and data analysis.
• Lead test operations end-to-end, including setup, execution, and post-test review.
• Troubleshoot hardware and drive root cause analysis on structural test failures.
• Partner cross-functionally with design, analysis, avionics, and manufacturing to close the loop between test results and design.

Skills

Structural testing

Data acquisition

Test automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field

Tools

Python

NX/Teamcenter

FEM (ANSYS/Nastran)

Job description

Apex in Playa Vista, CA, is seeking a Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer to own validation of flight hardware from first build through system testing. You will lead structural test campaigns across components and fully integrated spacecraft, coordinating with mechanical, avionics, and production teams.

The role emphasizes test automation in Python, data acquisition instrumentation, and troubleshooting to drive root-cause analysis.