Staff Electric Propulsion Engineer, Cathodes

The role

You will own the design, development, qualification, and production of cathode technology for electric propulsion systems. You will set the technical roadmap, run test campaigns, and mentor propulsion engineers.

What you will do

• Own end-to-end design of hollow and/or heaterless cathodes.
• Develop physics-based and empirical models to predict cathode performance.
• Define and execute cathode test and life-qualification campaigns.
• Drive cathode-thruster integration.
• Establish cathode erosion, poisoning, and degradation models.
• Select emitter and structural materials and processes.
• Optimize cathode designs for weight, cost, manufacturability, and repeatability.
• Partner with systems, power electronics, thermal, structures, and avionics teams.
• Support build, integration, and test of flight hardware and launch campaigns.
• Lead failure analysis and continuous design improvements.

Required qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by ITAR.
• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, plasma/propulsion engineering, applied physics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of relevant electric propulsion experience with a Bachelor's or Master's degree, OR a Ph.D. in electric propulsion, plasma physics, applied physics, or a closely related field with 5+ years
• Substantial and demonstrable focus on cathode design, development, and testing.
• Deep, hands-on knowledge of hollow and/or heaterless cathode physics.
• Experience planning and executing cathode or EP test campaigns in vacuum facilities.
• Strong understanding of failure and degradation mechanisms that drive cathode life.
• Working knowledge of spacecraft propulsion system architecture, propellant feed systems, and range safety requirements.

Nice to have

• Direct experience taking a cathode or EP thruster from development through flight qualification and on-orbit operation.
• Experience with heaterless cathode ignition and conditioning schemes.
• Experience with alternative propellants, including krypton and other non-xenon EP propellants.
• Familiarity with PPU/cathode drive electronics and power interface definition.
• Design-for-manufacturing experience bringing propulsion hardware into serial or high-rate production.
• Experience with EP environmental qualification, including vibration, TVAC, and EMI testing.

Benefits

• Equity in Apex
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents
• $100k life insurance at no cost
• 15 to 20+ days vacation annually
• 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) with 100% match on first 3% and 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, and run club

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by ITAR.

About the company

Apex manufactures satellite buses at scale using software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. The company aims to provide humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.