Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer

The role

You will own the validation of flight hardware from first build through system level testing. This role focuses on structural and mechanical testing with crossover into electrical and system-level validation.

What you will do

• Own structural test strategy and execution across components, subsystems, and fully integrated spacecraft
• Develop and operate fluid, hydraulic, and pressurized systems, including high-pressure and cryogenic environments
• Design and integrate data acquisition and instrumentation
• Write and automate test procedures and scripts for execution and data analysis
• Lead test operations end-to-end, including setup, execution, and post-test review
• Troubleshoot hardware and drive root cause analysis on structural test failures
• Partner cross-functionally with design, analysis, avionics, and manufacturing

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field
• 3+ years of experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or complex structural testing
• Background designing large-scale structural test stands or load application systems
• Strong fundamentals in structural mechanics, including strength, stability, and fatigue
• Experience with structural analysis (hand calcs and/or FEM) and test correlation
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation and lab equipment (strain, load, pressure, thermal measurements)
• Experience designing, building, or operating structural test systems and hardware
• Experience with test automation and scripting (Python or similar)
• Ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership environments with evolving requirements

Nice to have

• Experience with environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC)
• Familiarity with NX/Teamcenter, Nastran, or ANSYS
• Experience working with high-pressure or cryogenic systems

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
• 401(k) plan 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, 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.