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Chemical Propulsion Engineer Verified today

Apex Spacecraft · Los Angeles, CA · Propulsion · first seen 2026-07-16
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About the Role

Apex is seeking a Chemical Propulsion Engineer to join its team driving development of chemical propulsion systems for satellite bus spacecraft. You will approach this from clean-sheet design and help build propulsion capabilities, team, and infrastructure from the ground up.

What You Will Do

  • Design, build, and test chemical propulsion systems
  • Design and build propulsion infrastructure and test facilities
  • Design propulsion system architecture, develop product specifications, and maintain Technical Performance Metrics (TPMs)
  • Develop qualification and acceptance test plans and support testing
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate propulsion systems with electrical, thermal, and structural subsystems
  • Troubleshoot manufacturing anomalies, lead investigation efforts, and ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) approaches are followed
  • Interface directly with customer and supplier relationships, conduct analyses, and provide support as necessary
  • Contribute to proposals and business development efforts as needed

Requirements

  • U.S. Person status required (to access export-controlled data)
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline
  • 3+ years of propulsion design and test experience
  • Experience with mono and bi-propellant chemical propulsion systems
  • Experience handling and testing pressurized systems
  • Demonstrated history of designing fluidic systems, fluid system instrumentation, and control components (tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves, etc.)
  • Experience with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks)
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing in clean environments and AS9100 protocols

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's in mechanical, propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline
  • Experience operating leak, burst, and proof test facilities
  • Experience leading hot-fire test campaigns (power and fluid delivery systems, data acquisition systems, thrust stands, plume diagnostics)
  • Experience with chemical propulsion operations in space

What Apex Offers

  • Equity in Apex
  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
  • 15 days vacation growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
  • Generous 401(k) matching: 100% 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
  • Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and family gatherings
  • Tools and equipment for productive work
  • Office in Playa Vista with in-person collaboration and work flexibility

Compensation is set by role, level, location, and market alignment. Base pay varies with job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Full-time hires receive stock options, medical, dental, vision coverage, and 401(k) participation.