Apply on Employer Site

Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing · 5 hours ago

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$165K/yr - $195K/yr

6+ years exp

Apex is a fast-growing startup in spacecraft manufacturing that focuses on providing access to space. They are seeking a seasoned Electric Propulsion Engineer to drive the development of propulsion systems for their spacecraft bus, utilizing clean-sheet design and ensuring optimal performance through integration and testing.

AerospaceCommercialManufacturing

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Design electric propulsion system architecture, develop product specifications, and maintain Technical Performance Metrics (TPMs) including power and mass budgets

Define placement and integration of an electric propulsion system architecture

Documenting and maintaining detailed work instructions, process flow diagrams, assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) procedures for manufacturing operations

Establish engine degradation model, perform filtration analysis, and demonstrate compliance to dedicated propulsion budgets (leak, power, thermal, etc.)

Design high pressure fluidic systems, fluid system instrumentation, and control components (i.e. tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves, etc.)

Develop qualification and acceptance test plans and support said tests per approved procedures. Testing includes environmental testing such as vibration, shock, and TVAC

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate propulsion systems with other subsystems (e.g., electrical, thermal, structure)

Troubleshoot anomalies that arise during manufacturing, lead investigation efforts, and ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) approaches are followed during all stages of development

Directly interface with customer/supplier relationships, conduct analyses, and provide support (either virtual or onsite) as necessary

Decompose SSCMAN 91-710 document into Requirements Verification Matrix (RVM), tailor requirements as necessary, and conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) for internal personnel and facility safety

Conduct trade studies for electric propulsion components and suppliers, work with supply chain on quotation process, and manage vendors in the supply chain

Contribute to proposals and business development efforts as needed

Qualification

Electric propulsion designFluidic systems designPropulsion system integrationCAD software NXCAD software SolidWorksPressurized systems testingCustomer interfaceTeam collaborationProblem-solving

Required

U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electric propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline

6+ years of propulsion design and test experience

Experience with handling and testing pressurized systems

Strong knowledge of propulsion, spacecraft systems, and range safety (SSCMAN 91-710) requirements

Ability to decompose supplier ICDs and communicate requirements to responsible engineering disciplines

Demonstrated history of designing fluidic systems, fluid system instrumentation, and control components (i.e. tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves, etc.)

Experience with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks)

Working knowledge for manufacturing in a clean environment and following AS9100 protocols

Preferred

Master's or Ph.D in mechanical, electric propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline

Experience operating leak, burst, proof test facilities

Experience leading an electric propulsion hot-fire test campaign including (high-voltage power and fluid delivery systems for ground test, data acquisition systems, thrust stands, and plasma diagnostics, are a plus)

Experience with electric propulsion operations in space

Benefits

Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create

Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost

Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%

8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel

Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day

Vibrant community: Monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social gatherings for you and your family

Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self

World-class Playa Vista office with EV chargers, with the benefit of in-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