Propulsion Test Technician

The role

You will support hands-on testing of spacecraft propulsion hardware including thrusters, flow controllers, and power processing units. This involves setting up, executing, and tearing down tests while operating test stands and vacuum chambers.

What you will do

• Set up, execute, and tear down propulsion tests on thrusters, flow controllers, PPUs, and related propulsion hardware.
• Operate propulsion test stands, vacuum chambers, pumping systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition equipment.
• Install and remove test articles, including fluid connections, electrical interfaces, sensors, instrumentation, and associated GSE.
• Perform pre-test checkouts to verify hardware configuration, instrumentation, and test setup.
• Execute test procedures and monitor hardware, instrumentation, and facility systems throughout testing.
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on test stands, vacuum chambers, pumps, instrumentation, and GSE.
• Troubleshoot test equipment and hardware issues alongside test and propulsion engineers.
• Monitor equipment health and identify potential failures or maintenance needs.
• Maintain test cells, tooling, equipment, and consumables.
• Maintain accurate test logs, as-run documentation, configuration records, and equipment maintenance history.

Required qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in a test, lab, manufacturing, maintenance, or similar technical environment.
• Hands-on experience using hand tools, power tools, torque tools, fasteners, tubing and fittings, and electrical cabling.
• Ability to read and follow technical procedures, engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot hardware and equipment issues.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate test and maintenance documentation.
• Safety-first mindset and ability to work around pressurized systems, high voltage, vacuum equipment, and other hazardous operations.
• Ability to work effectively with engineers and technicians in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15).

Nice to have

• Technical or vocational training, military technical experience, or an associate degree in a relevant field.
• Experience operating vacuum chambers, vacuum pumps, or other test and laboratory equipment.
• Experience installing and troubleshooting test instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with fluid systems, pressurized gases, propellant systems, or high-voltage electrical hardware.
• Experience supporting propulsion, aerospace, or spacecraft test operations.
• Experience with qualification, acceptance, or production-rate testing.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance and calibration practices for test equipment and instrumentation.
• Experience working under range safety or hazardous operations requirements.

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% and 50% on next 2% of 401(k)
• 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 be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by ITAR
• Must be able to obtain required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, Department of Commerce, or another U.S. government agency

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.