Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing · 1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer (Propulsion/Fluids)
Los Angeles, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$115K/yr - $145K/yr
3+ years expApex is a spacecraft manufacturing company focused on providing access to space through innovative satellite buses. They are seeking a Propulsion Mechanical Engineer to design and qualify propulsion systems for spacecraft, ensuring reliable performance through various operational conditions.
AerospaceCommercialManufacturing
Responsibilities
Own the mechanical design of propulsion system hardware and its integration into propulsion modules, including thrusters, PPUs, manifolds, flow control hardware, high-pressure propellant lines, and tanks
Perform analysis and testing to satisfy propulsion subsystem requirements across performance, safety, and environmental constraints
Design propulsion module structures and housings, plasma-facing components, mounts, thermal straps, and mechanical interfaces
Perform structural and vibration analyses to support launch loads, thermal cycling, and long-duration on-orbit operation
Generate and maintain CAD models, drawings, and GD&T for flight hardware
Support manufacturing, assembly, and integration of propulsion and fluid hardware
Plan and execute propulsion hardware testing, including vacuum testing, performance testing, leak testing, proof pressure testing, vibration, and thermal vacuum qualification
Diagnose test anomalies related to propulsion system testing and drive corrective action and design iteration
Partner with systems engineering on requirements, margins, and subsystem interfaces
Support launch campaigns, on-orbit performance evaluation, and anomaly resolution
Contribute to failure analysis and continuous design improvements to support future builds and scalable production
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
3+ years of experience delivering mechanical and/or fluid system hardware
Strong foundation in fluid mechanics, including compressible and/or rarefied gas flow, pressure drop/flow control, and cleanliness/contamination control
Experience designing and developing pressurized fluid systems
Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred)
Comfortable owning hardware from concept through qualification and flight
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams
Preferred
Experience with electric propulsion systems (Hall thrusters, ion thrusters, or related EP)
Experience with spacecraft propellant feed systems and/or xenon (or alternative EP propellants)
Familiarity with propulsion testing in vacuum facilities and vacuum system gas behavior
Prior flight hardware experience
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
Company
Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing
Apex was founded to solve one of the space industry’s biggest challenges: the satellite production bottleneck.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$522MKey Investors
Interlagos CapitalAndreessen Horowitz
2025-09-12Series D· $200M
2025-04-29Series C· $200M
2024-06-11Series B· $95M
Leadership Team
Ian Cinnamon
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder
Recent News
2026-01-12
Company data provided by crunchbase