Lead Electric Propulsion Engineer

The posting, as Apex Technology, Inc. wrote it

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Apex is seeking a Lead Electric Propulsion Engineer to build and lead the team responsible for Apex’s electric propulsion subsystem end to end, including Hall-effect thrusters, cathodes, flow controllers, and power processing units (PPUs). You’ll own the technical direction, development, qualification, and production readiness of the EP subsystem across Apex spacecraft.

This is a hands-on technical and people leadership role. You’ll lead a team of propulsion engineers and technical specialists, set the EP roadmap, drive cross-component trades, and ensure the subsystem meets performance, reliability, schedule, cost, and production requirements. You’ll also serve as the primary propulsion interface across systems engineering, production, avionics, power, thermal, supply chain, quality, and program management.

This is an opportunity to shape and scale a complete electric propulsion capability inside a company building spacecraft for serial production.

Responsibilities

• Lead, grow, and develop Apex’s electric propulsion team, including engineers specializing in thrusters, cathodes, flow control, and PPUs.
• Own the EP subsystem roadmap across Hall-effect thrusters, cathodes, flow controllers, and PPUs, aligning development with spacecraft platform and production needs.
• Own EP subsystem performance, reliability, schedule, cost, and delivery of flight hardware at rate.
• Drive cross-component technical trades across thruster, cathode, flow control, and PPU architecture, including operating points, interfaces, margins, and requirements.
• Set technical standards for EP design, analysis, test, qualification, requirements, ICDs, and verification.
• Drive design for manufacturability and testability so propulsion hardware can be built consistently and efficiently at production scale.
• Partner closely with systems, avionics, power, thermal, structures, production, supply chain, quality, and program teams to resolve subsystem-level challenges.
• Own EP test and qualification strategy, including vacuum facilities, diagnostics, life testing, and plans to

[…]
-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life

• Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full-time hires are also eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

Apex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.