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Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Apex

Apex

Software Engineering
Los Angeles, CA, USA
USD 185k-215k / year + Equity
Posted on Jun 24, 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.

About the Role

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and develop system architectures for satellite missions.

  • Analyze and allocate requirements to subsystems, ensuring coherence and traceability throughout the design process.

  • Perform system-level trade-off studies to optimize performance, reliability, and cost.

  • Develop and maintain system-level documentation, including specifications, interface control documents, and system design descriptions.

  • Coordinate the integration of various subsystems, ensuring compliance with system requirements and interfaces.

  • Plan and oversee system-level testing, including functional, performance, and environmental tests.

  • Analyze test data and identify and resolve any anomalies or issues that arise during integration and testing.

  • Collaborate with the test and verification team to ensure proper verification and validation of system requirements.

  • Define, document, and manage system requirements throughout the product lifecycle.

  • Conduct requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities to ensure compliance with customer needs and industry standards.

  • Track and report on requirement changes, risks, and mitigation strategies.

  • Facilitate customer and stakeholder engagement to capture and understand their needs and expectations.

  • Identify and assess technical risks associated with system design, development, and operation.

  • Develop risk mitigation plans and monitor their implementation.

  • 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 in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.

  • 6+ years of experience in systems engineering, preferably in the aerospace or satellite industry.

  • Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles, processes, and methodologies.

  • Familiarity with satellite systems, subsystems, and their interdependencies.

  • Proficiency in requirements management tools and systems engineering software (e.g., Jira, Excel, SysML).

  • Experience with system-level integration, testing, and verification processes.

  • Knowledge of industry standards and best practices, such as INCOSE standards and NASA systems engineering guidelines.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet project deadlines.

Compensation

Salary Range: $185,000 - $215,000 a year

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

Why Join Apex?

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 C funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

What We Offer:

  • 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.

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.