Propulsion R&D Build 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. 

Apex is seeking a Propulsion R&D Build Engineer who will be highly hands-on and focused on the development of production tooling and bringing up new manufacturing capabilities. The candidate will be expected to work extensively on the shop floor, developing, deploying, and iterating on novel build processes and hardware for satellite propulsion systems.

Responsibilities

· Drive hands-on development and prototyping of electric and chemical propulsion systems, supporting build work and performance validation in the lab.

· Design and build tooling for production and test, enabling scalable manufacturing of spacecraft propulsion hardware—including jigs, fixtures, diagnostic stands, and automation tools.

· Develop, commission, and validate new fluid system capabilities, such as proof and burst test panels and rapid test setups for pressure vessels.

· Lead the establishment and bring-up of advanced manufacturing processes, specifically orbital tube welding and CNC tube bending for high-reliability aerospace assemblies.

· Support the integration of propulsion subsystems into satellite platforms, ensuring both theoretical and hands-on understanding of manufacturing, assembly, and test operations.

· Troubleshoot and optimize manufacturing workflows, collaborating with technicians and engineers to resolve build challenges and improve throughput.

· Mentor and train production and build teams on new tooling, processes, and capabilities as they come online.

· Support and participate in ground and flight test campaigns for new propulsion products and processes.

Requirements

· U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export-controlled data.

· Experience with building and testing pressurized systems

· Ability to decompose supplier ICDs and communicate requirements to responsible engineering disciplines

· Demonstrated history of designing fluidic systems, fluid system instrumentation, and control components (i.e., tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves, etc.)

· Strong bias toward hands-on engineering: physical build, tool design, and process bring-up.

· Demonstrated experience with fluid handling systems, pressure vessel proof and burst testing, and associated harnessing and panel setups.

· Direct experience in orbital tube welding (setup, operation, and qualification) and CNC tube bending for aerospace-grade fluid systems.

· Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering, plus 5+ years of hands-on development work for propulsion systems.

· Comfort with shop-floor environments, rapid prototyping tools, and iterative development with production teams.

Strong communication skills; able to translate build requirements into actionable designs and instructions for production.

Preferred Qualifications

· 7+ years of hands-on development work for propulsion systems.

· Experience building spacecraft propulsion systems and associated tooling

· Experience operating leak, burst, and proof test facilities

· Experience leading an electric propulsion hot-fire test campaign

· Experience with high-voltage power and fluid delivery systems for ground test, data acquisition systems, thrust stands, and plasma diagnostics is a plus

· Experience with electric propulsion operations in space

· Experience operating leak, burst, and proof test facilities

· Familiarity with qualification testing, system safety protocols, and technical documentation throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.

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.