Mission Integration Engineer
Apex
Software Engineering
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Posted on Apr 8, 2025
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 dynamic, organized, and driven Mission Integration Engineer to join our expanding team. As a company at the forefront of space exploration and satellite technology, Apex is looking for an individual capable of independently owning complex spacecraft analysis and serving as the primary liaison between our customers and technical teams to ensure mission success. The Mission Integration Engineer is also responsible for acting as a generalist across our programs to support customer mission integration.
Responsibilities:
- Define end-to-end mission architecture, including spacecraft, launch vehicle, ground systems, and operations per customer requirements
- Perform mission analysis, including orbital mechanics, trajectory planning, and spacecraft deployment strategies
- Serve as the primary technical liaison between internal technical teams and customers
- Conduct coupled loads analysis (CLA), thermal analysis, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) assessments.
- Generate mission specific technical budgets (power, mass, data, pointing, etc)
- Travel to launch sites for payload integration, system checkouts, and launch rehearsals
- Work with mission operations teams to track and maintain spacecraft in its operational orbit
- Develop technical documentation, integration procedures, and lessons learned to improve future missions
- Work with engineering, business development, and external partners to shape future missions
- Support proposals for future missions by defining technical approaches, feasibility studies, and cost estimates
- Develop and maintain customer system-level documentation, including specifications, interface control documents, and system design descriptions.
- Support requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities to ensure compliance with customer needs and industry standards.
- Identify and assess technical risks associated with system design, development, and operation
- Perform system-level failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and support reliability engineering efforts
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers, to ensure system integration and performance.
- Communicate technical concepts, requirements, and issues clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and project status updates.
Requirements:
- U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in engineering or technical capture management preferably in a manufacturing or aerospace environment.
- Experience in satellite manufacturing or related industries (aerospace, defense, or high-tech) is strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of space systems, launch vehicle mechanics, orbital dynamics, and mission operations
- Experience working with prime contractors or government entities
- Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or rideshare mission integration
- Familiarity with flight software, embedded systems, and space communications protocols (CCSDS, S-band, X-band, etc.).
- ·Previous spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload engineering experience
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other office productivity tools
- Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or other mission analysis tools.
- Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing timelines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with the ability to prioritize and adapt to changing demands.
- Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively across the Apex team
- High attention to detail with a focus on delivering concise and technical review content
- Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-changing environment with shifting priorities and deadlines
Benefits
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 offer the following benefits:
• Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.
• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision plans. The primary and dependents’ premium is 99%+ covered.
• Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package, to reset and recharge.
• Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.
• Paid parental leave.
• Daily lunch and unlimited snacks!
• Community events like monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club and more!
• Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.
• A world class office located in Playa Vista, filled with amazing coworkers and social gatherings for you and your family.
• An opportunity to make a real impact in the aerospace industry.
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.