Full-Time

Senior Spacecraft Avionics Engineer

Updated on 3/14/2025

Apex

Apex

51-200 employees

Manufactures customizable ESPA class satellites

Compensation Overview

$165k - $195kAnnually

Senior

Los Angeles, CA, USA

The position is onsite in Los Angeles.

Category
Avionics
Aerospace Engineering
Required Skills
Altium
Oscilloscope
LTSpice
Requirements
  • U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Avionics Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees are preferred.
  • 6+ years of relevant experience in avionics and electrical engineering, preferably in the aerospace or satellite industry.
  • Proficient in designing and developing avionics systems, electrical circuits, and subsystems.
  • Strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles, including analog and digital circuit design, power electronics, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
  • Experience with electrical design tools, such as eCAD software such as Altium, circuit simulation software such as LTSpice, and PCB design tools.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze complex electrical and avionics engineering problems, identify innovative solutions, and implement effective troubleshooting techniques.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, communicate complex technical concepts, and work towards shared project goals.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work while adhering to project deadlines and budget constraints. Ability to debug complex problems using typical tools such as Logic Analyzer, Oscilloscopes, Spectrum Analyzers.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities and technologies.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey technical information and collaborate with stakeholders at various levels.
Responsibilities
  • Design and develop avionics systems and electrical components for satellite systems, considering mission requirements, technical specifications, and industry standards.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, systems engineers, and software engineers, to ensure seamless integration of avionics subsystems into the satellite platform.
  • Develop and implement electrical system architectures and schematics, including power distribution, communication interfaces, and control systems.
  • Design and create electrical boards, including printed circuit boards (PCBs), considering electrical component placement, signal routing, and manufacturability.
  • Conduct thorough research and analysis to select suitable electronic components, such as sensors, transmitters, receivers, and processors, that meet the project requirements.
  • Define and execute comprehensive test plans and procedures to validate avionics and electrical systems' performance, ensuring compliance with specifications and safety standards.
  • Identify and resolve electrical and avionics system issues during development, integration, and testing phases, employing analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Work closely with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate activities, share knowledge, and provide technical guidance on avionics and electrical engineering aspects.
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements and emerging trends in avionics and electrical engineering for satellite systems, and apply innovative solutions to enhance performance and efficiency.

Apex Space manufactures ESPA class satellites, focusing on their flagship product, the Aries satellite bus, which is suitable for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and other missions. They provide customizable satellite solutions for clients in the aerospace and defense sectors, including government agencies and commercial enterprises, for applications like Earth observation and communications. Apex Space differentiates itself with guaranteed on-time delivery, high reliability, and transparent pricing. Their goal is to lead in spacecraft manufacturing by offering reliable and tailored satellite solutions for a variety of space missions.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Series B

Total Funding

$118.5M

Headquarters

Los Angeles, California

Founded

2022

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Apex won a $45.9 million Space Force contract, expanding its mission capabilities.
  • Toyota Ventures invested in Apex, supporting cost reduction and rapid delivery goals.
  • Apex's partnership with Anduril enables rapid space system development for the U.S.

What critics are saying

  • Apex faces competition from SpaceX and Blue Origin in satellite manufacturing.
  • Reliance on a single production facility may cause production delays.
  • Dependence on government contracts poses financial risks if priorities shift.

What makes Apex unique

  • Apex specializes in ESPA class satellites, ranging from 40 to 400 kilograms.
  • The Aries satellite bus supports LEO, MEO, GEO, and deep space missions.
  • Apex guarantees on-time delivery, high reliability, and transparent pricing.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Paid Parental Leave

Company Equity

Meal Benefits

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

5%

1 year growth

-9%

2 year growth

-42%
SpaceNews
Feb 13th, 2025
Satellite startup Apex wins $45.9 million Space Force contract

The contract win comes as Apex expands beyond its initial focus on low Earth orbit satellites to develop capabilities for geostationary, medium Earth orbit and deep space missions.

PR Newswire
Oct 1st, 2024
Apex and Anduril Announce Partnership to Advance Space Capabilities

LOS ANGELES and COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Anduril Industries is announcing a strategic partnership with Apex, a Los Angeles-based merchant supplier of productized satellite buses, to enable rapid development and delivery of space systems for the United States and partners.

Medium
Jun 12th, 2024
Toyota Ventures Invests in Apex Space

Toyota Ventures has invested in Apex Space, a Los Angeles-based company founded in 2022, which manufactures satellite buses at scale. Apex aims to reduce costs and lead times for satellites by using standardization and rapid delivery. Their first model, the Aries satellite bus, is a 100kg platform capable of carrying a payload and fuel mass of up to 150kg. Since 2015, space companies have received $286 billion in investment, with 86% going towards satellite technologies.

SpaceNews
Jun 12th, 2024
Apex raises $95 million to increase satellite bus production

Satellite manufacturing startup Apex has raised $95 million to allow it to ramp up production of “productized” satellite buses to tap into growing demand.

SpaceNews
Jun 12th, 2024
Apex raises $95 million to increase satellite bus production

WASHINGTON - Satellite manufacturing startup Apex has raised $95 million to allow it to ramp up production of "productized" satellite buses to tap into growing demand, particularly from national security customers.