Mission Integration Engineer - Payload I&T

The role

The Mission Integration Engineer owns the planning and execution of customer payload integration and space vehicle level test campaigns. This role involves working on the cleanroom floor and traveling to launch sites for vehicle integration and rehearsals.

What you will do

• Own the planning of space vehicle I&T campaigns and drive execution on the cleanroom floor.
• Work directly with customers to develop bus to payload integration procedures.
• Plan and execute space vehicle level environmental testing, including random vibration, quasi-static load, and TVAC.
• Plan and execute SV level functional testing to demonstrate integrated vehicle functionality.
• Support space vehicle propulsion load operations for dynamic testing and launch.
• Review results of coupled loads analysis (CLA) and thermal analysis for incorporation into test planning.
• Travel to launch sites for vehicle integration, system checkouts, and launch rehearsals.
• Develop and maintain customer system-level documentation.
• Support requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities.
• Identify and assess technical risks associated with system design, development, and operation.

Required qualifications

• U.S. Person status
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience working on complex hardware systems
• Experience in satellite manufacturing or related industries (aerospace, defense, or high-tech).
• Strong understanding of space systems integration and test.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing timelines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Nice to have

• Previous spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload engineering experience.
• Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or rideshare mission integration.
• Experience working with prime contractors or government entities.
• Familiarity with flight software, embedded systems, and space communications protocols (CCSDS, S-band, X-band, etc.).

Benefits

• Equity in Apex
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents
• $100k life insurance at no cost
• Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually
• 10 paid holidays
• 100% match on first 3% of 401(k), 50% on next 2%
• 8 weeks paid parental leave
• Childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks
• Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings

Before you apply

• Must qualify as a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or individual granted asylum) or be able to obtain required export authorizations.

About the company

Apex manufactures satellite buses at scale using software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. The company is a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding.