Staff Materials Engineer (Organics)

Telemetry Today LLC; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Best-in-class healthcare

PTO starting at 15 days

401(k) with generous match

8 weeks parental leave

Daily catered lunch & snacks

Office in Playa Vista

Impactful work with aerospace leaders

Job summary

Apex Technology, Inc. in Playa Vista, CA is seeking a seasoned Materials and Processes (M&P) Engineer to lead organic materials qualification for space-grade hardware.

You will define requirements, run test campaigns, build a materials database, and qualify flight hardware as volumes scale, working with cross-functional engineering and production teams. Responsibilities include developing an Approved Materials & Processes List, supporting supplier qualifications, and solving complex material

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in mechanical, materials, physics, aerospace, or relevant engineering.
• 10+ years of industry experience in materials science and engineering.
• Experience qualifying aerospace non-metallics (adhesives, epoxies, potting compounds, coatings).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Own qualification of new organic materials, parts and processes for space and factory environments.
• Develop and maintain Approved Materials and Processes List for organics, including suppliers and formulations.
• Support engineering requirements for parts, materials, processes and manufacturing technologies.
• Assist in supplier qualification and respond to routine supplier inquiries.
• Perform analyses to characterize performance or determine causes of failures and recommend actions.
• Coordinate lab activities and compile test data for interpretation and disposition.
• Use project management practices to meet cost, technical and schedule requirements.
• Support creation and revision of material/process specifications and test plans.
• Investigate non-conformances and supplier deviations.
• Maintain engineering records and support design reviews.

Skills

Materials science

Aerospace engineering

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's in Materials Science and 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 looking for a Materials and Processes (M&P) Engineer who can collaborate across engineering and production teams, and own the success selection and qualification of organic materials essential for our satellite operations. The M&P engineer will define product requirements, inform material and design trades, perform analyses and testing on materials, drive test campaigns, and develop a materials database and usage list. You will validate decisions through prototypes and build and qualify flight hardware as we scale volume.

Responsibilities:

Own the qualification of new organic materials, parts and processes to meet all relevant space and factory environment requirements. Manage related tests and process controls, and audit and qualify suppliers to applicable requirements

Develop and maintain a company wide Approved Materials and Processes List for organic materials, including approved suppliers, formulations, product revisions, application limitations, shelf-life requirements, storage conditions, and qualification status

Support definition of engineering requirements to develop, select, or recommend parts, materials, processes, manufacturing technologies, machinery, tools, and automation systems used in product design and manufacturing in accordance with contractual and regulatory obligations

Assist in supplier qualification activities and respond to routine supplier technical inquiries. Escalate complex supplier or production issues to senior management

Perform analyses to characterize performance or determine causes of tool, material, part, or process failures. Recommend corrective actions for senior review

Coordinate and support lab activities and compile test data for interpretation and disposition

Use project management practices to meet cost, technical, and schedule requirements for assigned tasks

Support creation and revision of material/process specifications, work instructions, and test plans

Support investigations of non-conformances and supplier deviations

Collect evidence, perform basic root-cause analysis, and draft corrective action recommendations

Maintain engineering records (test reports, engineering orders) and support configuration control and design reviews as required

Communicate technical findings clearly to cross-functional teams and stakeholders

Requirements:

U.S. Persons status is required as this position requires access to export-controlled data

Bachelor’s in mechanical, materials, physics, aerospace, or relevant engineering

10+ years of industry experience demonstrating a strong foundation in materials science and engineering principles

Engineering experience with qualifying typical Aerospace non-metallics (e.g. adhesives, epoxies, potting compounds, staking compounds, conformal coatings, RTV/silicones, Elastomers, Plastics, Thermal interface materials, thermal working fluids, Thermal-control paints/coatings, Lubricants, Composite materials, Films and tapes, and Insulation materials)

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Capable of managing multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Experience

Master’s in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Polymers, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.

Engineering experience with materials in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing development lifecycle

Deep understanding of adhesives, and thermal materials

Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as wire bonding, heat treatment, surface modification, thermal coatings, and interface materials

Knowledge of fracture mechanics, fluid compatibility, statistics, and failure analysis

#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: Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

Competitive 401(k) plan: 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: 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.