Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer, Cathodes

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 Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer with deep expertise in cathodes to own the design, development, qualification, and production of cathode technology for our electric propulsion systems. Building on Apex's in-house Hall-effect thruster capability, you will drive hollow and heaterless cathode development, from emitter physics and thermal-mechanical design through cathode-thruster coupling, life characterization, and design-for-manufacturing at rate.

This is a senior individual-contributor role with significant technical ownership and leadership scope. You will drive key cathode design decisions, lead test and life-qualification campaigns, and work alongside propulsion engineers as we scale EP production. You'll have the opportunity to approach cathode development with a clean-sheet, production-first mindset and directly shape the hardware, processes, and infrastructure required to take it from development into flight and serial production.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end design and development of hollow and/or heaterless cathodes for Apex's electric propulsion systems, including emitter selection, keeper and orifice geometry, heater design, and thermal-mechanical packaging.
• Develop physics-based and empirical models to predict cathode performance, discharge behavior, thermal margins, and life, and validate them against test data.
• Define and execute cathode test and life-qualification campaigns, including ignition and conditioning, coupling voltage characterization, thermal cycling, plume/plasma diagnostics, wear testing, and long-duration life testing in vacuum facilities.
• Drive cathode-thruster integration, optimizing cathode-to-anode coupling, mass flow split, and placement for overall EP system performance and stability.
• Develop cathode erosion, poisoning, and degradation models and perform filtration and contamination-control analysis to demonstrate compliance with propulsion budgets for life, power, thermal, leak, and contamination.
• Select emitter and structural materials and processes, including LaB6, BaO-impr

[…]
-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.