Mission Operations & Assurance Chief 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

As the Mission Operations & Mission Assurance Chief Engineer, your responsibilities include providing technical leadership for spacecraft on-orbit operations, anomaly investigations, failure review boards, and root cause corrective action (RCCA) across the Apex satellite constellation. You will be the central technical authority for identifying, investigating, mitigating, and resolving spacecraft anomalies and mission-critical issues. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with Mission Operations, Systems Engineering, Reliability, Flight Software, Avionics, Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC), Propulsion, Power, Thermal, Manufacturing, and Test teams to ensure timely anomaly resolution, disciplined technical investigations, and continuous improvement of spacecraft reliability. The ideal candidate combines deep spacecraft systems knowledge, hands-on mission operations experience, structured failure investigation expertise, and the ability to make sound technical decisions in time-critical operational environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary engineering focal point for on-orbit spacecraft anomalies, performance degradation, subsystem failures, and mission-threatening events
• Direct anomaly triage, fault isolation, technical troubleshooting, and recovery planning in coordination with Mission Operations and subsystem engineering teams
• Lead Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations to identify failure mechanisms, determine root causes, assess mission impacts, and develop corrective and preventive actions
• Apply systematic problem-solving methodologies, including Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and statistical reliability assessments
• Following RCCA, evaluate anomaly implications across the broader satellite fleet, including common-cause failures, systemic design deficiencies, and latent reliability risks
• Provide technical recommendations for spacecraft recovery, operational workarounds, fault-management changes, and continued mission operations
• Evaluate the adequacy

[…]
-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.