Lead Propulsion Integration Engineer

The role

The Lead Propulsion Integration Engineer will own propulsion modules for spacecraft from requirements through launch. You will lead a team to design, integrate, and service flight-ready propulsion modules.

What you will do

• Lead and develop the propulsion module integration team.
• Own propulsion module architecture including tank selection, structure, and feed-system routing.
• Translate vehicle and mission requirements into propulsion module designs.
• Deliver flight-ready modules within mass, cost, and power constraints.
• Ensure module structures and interfaces meet structural and environmental requirements.
• Own spacecraft propellant servicing including fill/drain operations and ground support equipment.
• Ensure hazardous servicing operations meet range requirements and maintain safety documentation.
• Drive design for manufacturing, integration, test, and serviceability.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including systems, structures, thermal, and manufacturing.
• Support vehicle integration, test, launch campaigns, and anomaly resolution.

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 mechanical, aerospace, propulsion engineering, or a related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft propulsion, mechanical/fluid systems, propulsion integration, or related hardware development
• Experience leading engineers as a technical lead, people manager, or both
• Strong experience with propulsion module and feed-system design
• Experience owning hardware against vehicle-level requirements, ICDs, and mass, cost, and power budgets
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft propellant servicing, including fill/drain operations, procedures, and ground support equipment
• Working knowledge of range safety requirements for hazardous spacecraft operations
• Proven experience taking flight propulsion hardware from design through build, integration, test, and launch
• Strong cross-functional communication skills

Nice to have

• Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, propulsion engineering, or a related field
• Experience with both chemical and electric propulsion systems and propellant servicing, including xenon or krypton loading
• Experience transitioning propulsion modules or feed systems into serial or high-rate production
• Experience authoring hazardous operations procedures and supporting range approval processes
• Familiarity with propellant compatibility, cleanliness, and contamination control requirements
• Experience owning subsystem schedule, budget, and technical risk

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
• 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 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.