Lead Mission Integration Engineer

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

As the Lead Mission Integration Engineer, you will define and own end-to-end mission architecture while leading a team responsible for ensuring seamless integration between spacecraft systems, customers, and mission operations. You will be responsible for mentoring, tasking, and overall direction of the mission integration team, serving as the primary technical liaison for complex spacecraft missions. In this role, you will balance long term strategic mission planning with short term technical execution with a balance of roughly fifty percent management and fifty percent individual contributor work. We are looking for experienced engineers who are eager to solve complex mission integration challenges with a focus on practicality and scalability, and who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced aerospace environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the mission integration team in defining end-to-end mission architecture, including spacecraft, launch vehicle, ground systems, and operations per customer requirements

• Own mission analysis capabilities across orbital mechanics, trajectory planning, and spacecraft deployment strategies while mentoring team members in advanced analysis techniques

• Serve as the senior technical liaison between internal technical teams and customers, leading critical design reviews and mission readiness assessments

• Direct technical assessments including coupled loads analysis (CLA), thermal analysis, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and mission-specific budgets across multiple concurrent missions

• Lead payload integration activities and collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish integration procedures and technical roadmaps for future missions

• Support business development efforts by leading technical proposal development, feasibility studies, and cost estimation for future missions

Requirements:

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

• 8+ years of total mission integration, payload integration, or spacecraft systems engineering experience

• 2+ years of leadership experience or senior technical role managing engineering teams

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

• Strong understanding of space systems, launch vehicle mechanics, orbital dynamics, and mission operations with proven track record of successful mission deliveries

• Advanced proficiency in mission analysis tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, MATLAB, Python) and experience working with prime contractors or government entities in technical leadership capacity

• Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or rideshare mission integration across multiple vehicle classes

Preferred Requirements:

• Familiarity with flight software, embedded systems, and space communications protocols (CCSDS, S-band, X-band, etc.)

• Previous spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload engineering experience in leadership roles within satellite manufacturing or related aerospace industries

• Strong background in system-level failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and reliability engineering methodologies

#LI-RC1

Why Join Apex?

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

What We Offer For Full-time Employees:

• 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 socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and 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 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

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 .