Senior Propulsion Engineer, Fluids

The role

You will own the propellant feed-system design for propulsion modules. This includes designing pressurized fluid architecture, performing fluids analysis, and executing test campaigns to qualify hardware for space.

What you will do

• Own the propellant feed-system design including architecture, schematic, and component selection.
• Design pressurized fluid systems to appropriate factors of safety.
• Perform fluids analysis for flow, pressure-drop, transients, and thermal effects.
• Design tubing, fitting, weld, and braze joints and routing.
• Define and execute feed-system test campaigns including leak, proof, burst, and functional testing.
• Own range safety and pressure-systems compliance for the module.
• Support propellant servicing from a fluids-design and safety standpoint.
• Partner with in-house propulsion component teams to define fluidic interfaces.
• Work with manufacturing to ensure design for manufacturing and cleanliness.
• Support build, integration, test, launch campaigns, and anomaly resolution.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical, or a related engineering field.
• 6+ years (Sr) / 8+ years (Staff) of experience in fluid systems engineering.
• Substantial hands-on work on pressurized fluid or propellant feed systems.
• Deep knowledge of pressurized fluid system design.
• Strong fluids analysis skills.
• Hands-on experience defining and executing fluid-system test campaigns.
• Direct experience with range safety and pressure-systems requirements.
• Demonstrated track record getting fluidic flight hardware through qualification and into space.
• Experience designing to vehicle requirements and conforming to ICDs.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by ITAR.

Nice to have

• Master's degree in a related engineering field.
• Experience with both electric propulsion feed systems and chemical propulsion feed systems.
• Experience with composite-overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) and their fracture control and qualification.
• Experience bringing feed systems or fluidic hardware into serial / high-rate production.
• Experience authoring and executing hazardous operations procedures and obtaining range approvals.
• Familiarity with precision cleaning, contamination control, and propellant compatibility.
• Experience designing and operating fluid GSE for servicing, fill/drain, and test.

Benefits

• Equity in Apex
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and 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
• Dream desk setup

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 aims to provide humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.