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. Apex is seeking a dynamic, organized, and driven Staff Mission Integration Engineer to join our expanding team. As a company at the forefront of space exploration and satellite technology, Apex is looking for an individual capable of independently owning complex spacecraft analysis and serving as the primary liaison between our customers and technical teams to ensure mission success. The Staff Mission Integration Engineer is also responsible for acting as a generalist across our programs to support customer mission integration.
Responsibilities:
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- Define end-to-end mission architecture for large complex mission sets, including spacecraft, launch vehicle, ground systems, and operations per customer requirements
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- Lead space vehicle I&T planning and execution including payload integration, spacecraft level environmental test, and launch vehicle integration
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- Lead development and integration of customer mission capabilities into standard Apex architecture
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- Perform architecture trades through mission analysis, including orbital mechanics, trajectory planning, and spacecraft deployment strategies
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- Serve as the primary technical liaison between internal technical teams and customers on key strategic programs
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- Lead execution of coupled loads analysis (CLA), thermal analysis, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) assessments.
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- Generate and maintain mission specific technical budgets (power, mass, data, pointing, etc)
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- Travel to launch sites to lead payload integration, system checkouts, and launch rehearsals
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- Work with mission operations teams to track and maintain spacecraft in its operational orbit
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- Lead the development of technical documentation, integration procedures, and lessons learned to improve future missions
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- Develop technical standard processes aligned with company strategic objectives
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- Work with engineering, business development, and external partners to shape future strategic mission sets
Requirements:
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- Identify and assess technical risks associated with system design, development, and operation
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- Perform system-level failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and support reliability engineering efforts
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- Lead cross-functional team efforts across electrical, mechanical, and software engineers, to ensure system integration and performance.
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- Lead Apex technical support of customer meetings, design reviews, and project status updates.
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- U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
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- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
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- At least 12+ years of experience working on complex hardware systems (spacecraft preferred) or technical capture management.
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- Experience in satellite manufacturing or related industries (aerospace, defense, or high-tech) is strongly preferred.
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- Strong understanding of space systems, launch vehicle mechanics, orbital dynamics, and mission operations
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- Experience working with prime contractors or government entities
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- Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or rideshare mission integration
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- Familiarity with flight software, embedded systems, and space communications protocols (CCSDS, S-band, X-band, etc.).