Staff Electric Propulsion Engineer, Hall-Effect Thrusters

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 Staff Electric Propulsion Engineer with deep expertise in Hall-effect thrusters to serve as the technical authority for our Hall thruster development and production. Building on Apex's in-house Hall-effect thruster capability, you will own the thruster from plasma physics and discharge channel design through qualification, flight integration, and design-for-manufacturing at rate.

This is a Staff-level individual-contributor role with broad technical leadership scope. You will set the Hall thruster technical roadmap, drive key architecture and design trades, lead test and qualification campaigns, and mentor propulsion engineers as we scale our EP capability. As a technical anchor of Apex's EP team, you'll shape how high-performance Hall thrusters are designed for serial production and flown across our spacecraft platforms.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the end-to-end design of Apex's Hall-effect thrusters, including discharge channel geometry, magnetic circuit design, anode and gas distributor design, and thermal-mechanical packaging.
• Lead the plasma physics and performance modeling that drives thruster design, including ionization and acceleration behavior, magnetic field topology, efficiency, thrust-to-power, and specific impulse across the operating envelope.
• Define and execute thruster test and life-qualification campaigns, including performance mapping, plume characterization, thermal testing, oscillation and stability characterization, wear testing, and long-duration life testing in vacuum facilities.
• Establish erosion, degradation, and life models for the discharge channel and pole pieces, and demonstrate compliance with mission life and propulsion budgets for power, thermal, throughput, and leak.
• Drive cathode-thruster coupling and overall EP system integration in partnership with cathode, propellant feed-system, and PPU owners.
• Select materials and processes, including ceramics, magnetic materials, and refractory metals, and qualify them for spaceflight and high-rate production.
• Optimize thruster designs for perform

[…]
-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.