Full-Time

Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Apex

Apex

51-200 employees

Manufactures customizable ESPA class satellites

Compensation Overview

$115k - $145k/yr

Mid, Senior

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Category
Space & Rocket Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Required Skills
CAD
GD&T
SolidWorks
Requirements
  • U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
  • 3-6+ years of experience in mechanical design and analysis, preferably in the aerospace or satellite industry.
  • Proficiency in CAD software for 3D modeling and drafting (e.g., NX, SolidWorks).
  • Strong understanding of structural analysis techniques, including finite element analysis (FEA) and hand calculations.
  • Strong understanding of drafting standards such as GD&T.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes for aerospace-grade materials and components.
  • Knowledge of environmental testing procedures and standards for space applications. Familiarity with testing above is a plus.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
  • Effective communication skills to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
  • Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
  • Familiarity with industry standards and regulations, such as ASME, ASTM, and NASA guidelines.
Responsibilities
  • Develop mechanical designs and models for satellite structures, subsystems, and components.
  • Conduct structural analyses to ensure compliance with performance and reliability requirements.
  • Optimize designs for weight reduction, material selection, and manufacturability.
  • Evaluate and select appropriate materials and processes for satellite mechanical systems.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical systems with other subsystems (e.g., electrical, thermal, propulsion).
  • Participate in the assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) process of satellite hardware.
  • Perform environmental testing, such as statics, vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum tests, to validate mechanical designs.
  • Prepare technical documentation, including engineering drawings, specifications, and test reports.
  • Maintain accurate records of design changes, test results, and other engineering documentation.
  • Generate comprehensive reports and presentations to communicate design concepts, analysis results, and recommendations to stakeholders.
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in satellite engineering and mechanical design technologies.
  • Identify areas for improvement in design methodologies, manufacturing processes, and quality control.
  • Contribute to research and development projects aimed at enhancing satellite performance and capabilities.

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 serve clients in the aerospace and defense sectors, providing customizable satellite solutions 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 dependable satellite solutions tailored to various mission requirements.

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

2%

1 year growth

-10%

2 year growth

-43%
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.