Lead Spacecraft Test Engineer

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. 

As the Lead Spacecraft Test Engineer, you will lead and develop a team of test engineers while driving excellence across environmental testing and spacecraft checkout operations. You'll be responsible for mentoring your team, setting technical direction, and owning the strategy and execution of test programs from early development through rate production. We're looking for motivated, detail-oriented engineers who combine deep technical expertise in environmental and functional testing with the leadership instincts to build and develop a high-performing team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of spacecraft test engineers while managing project assignments, performance, and professional growth

• Own the development, execution, and continuous improvement of test plans, procedures, protocols, and requirements across environmental testing and checkouts — including vibration & shock, thermal cycling & TVAC, EMI/EMC, and pneumatic pressure testing

• Drive the strategy and roadmap for scaling test operations from low-rate development to high-rate production, ensuring test capacity and capability grow with the program

• Scope, procure, set up, and maintain environmental test equipment and infrastructure, making build-vs-buy decisions and managing capital planning for the test organization

• Provide hands-on technical leadership on critical test challenges, including test fixture design, instrumentation setup, and anomaly resolution

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, design engineering, and quality assurance to identify and resolve issues and ensure test requirements are captured early in the design process

• Analyze test data, interpret results, and generate comprehensive test reports; establish standards for data quality and reporting across the team

• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace testing standards and regulations

• Lead root cause and corrective action investigations for test escapes and anomalies, driving systemic fixes rather than one-off solutions

• Stay current with industry advancements and best practices in spacecraft environmental and functional 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

• 5+ years of experience in environmental or functional testing within the aerospace industry

• Strong leadership fundamentals demonstrated via proven ability to delegate effectively, drive strategic initiatives from concept to execution, and foster individual growth

• Deep knowledge of aerospace testing standards, protocols, and regulations such as MIL-STD-461, GSFC-STD-7000, SMC-S-016, and MIL-STD-810

• Proven track record of implementing test process improvements that resulted in measurable gains in quality, efficiency, schedule, or cost

• Demonstrated experience with operating, maintaining, and procuring environmental testing equipment

• Strong understanding of instrumentation used during environmental testing including thermocouples, accelerometers, and DAQs

• Excellent analytical skills and ability to communicate complex technical findings to cross-functional stakeholders

• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, hardware-intensive environments

Preferred Requirements

• 1+ years of technical leadership or team management experience

• Strong people leadership skills including talent development, performance management, and ability to drive team accountability while maintaining morale

• Experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle test programs

• Experience scaling environmental test operations from new product introduction to rate production

• Familiarity with AS9100 or other high-reliability aerospace quality systems

• Experience with test automation, scripting, or programming in Python, LabVIEW, or similar

• Knowledge of data acquisition and analysis software

• Experience with MES/ERP systems and digital production tracking

• Certification in relevant aerospace testing standards

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 backed by $200M in Series D funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

• 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 BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social 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 EV chargers, 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.

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.