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Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer Verified today

Apex Spacecraft · Los Angeles, CA · Propulsion · first seen 2026-09-23
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About the Role

Apex is seeking a Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer to join our closely integrated team, driving the development of propulsion systems for our spacecraft bus. You will approach this from a clean-sheet design, guiding propulsion system architecture, integration, and testing to ensure optimal performance.

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 electric propulsion system architecture.
  • Document and maintain 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 (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 (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 and supplier relationships, conduct analyses, and provide support 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.
  • Contribute to proposals and business development efforts as needed.

Requirements

  • 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 electric 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 (tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves, etc.).
  • Experience with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks).
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing in a clean environment and following AS9100 protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 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.
  • Experience with electric propulsion operations in space.

What We Offer

  • Equity in Apex to benefit from the work you create.
  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost.
  • Comprehensive PTO package: starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays.
  • Competitive 401(k) plan with 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.
  • Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and family gatherings.
  • Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self.
  • World-class Playa Vista office with in-person collaboration and flexibility to integrate work and life.
  • Real impact opportunity working with experts from aerospace and new space industries.