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Staff Mission Integration Engineer - SV Design Verified today

Apex Spacecraft · Los Angeles, CA · Production · first seen 2026-10-10
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About the Role

Apex is seeking a Staff Mission Integration Engineer specializing in Space Vehicle Design. The Mission Integration team turns the foundational spacecraft platform into the backbone of customer missions. You will be the primary liaison between customers and technical teams, developing mission concepts, performing technical analysis, resolving interfaces, and executing space vehicle integration and test.

Responsibilities

  • Define end-to-end mission architecture for large complex mission sets, including spacecraft, launch vehicle, ground systems, and operations per customer requirements
  • Lead technical inputs to proposals by defining technical approaches, feasibility studies, and cost estimates
  • Perform architecture trades through mission analysis, including orbital mechanics, trajectory planning, and spacecraft deployment strategies
  • Serve as primary technical liaison between internal teams and customers, communicating concepts and requirements to technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Lead technical discussions in customer meetings, design reviews, and project status updates
  • Lead cross-functional efforts across electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to ensure system integration and performance
  • Develop and maintain customer system-level documentation including specifications, interface control documents, and system design descriptions
  • Generate mission-specific technical budgets for power, mass, data, and pointing
  • Analyze coupled loads analysis (CLA) and thermal analysis results, and perform electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) assessments
  • Perform system-level failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and support reliability engineering
  • Develop bus-to-payload communication architecture and support space vehicle-level test execution
  • Plan and execute final integrated space vehicle systems testing
  • Travel to launch sites for vehicle integration, system checkouts, and launch rehearsals
  • Work with mission operations teams to track and maintain spacecraft in operational orbit
  • Lead requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities for compliance with customer needs and industry standards
  • Identify and assess technical risks associated with system design, development, and operation
  • Work with engineering, business development, and external partners to shape future missions

Requirements

  • U.S. Person status, as this position requires access to export-controlled data
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • 12 or more years of experience working on complex hardware systems (spacecraft preferred) or technical capture management
  • Experience in satellite manufacturing or related industries (aerospace, defense, or high-tech)
  • Strong understanding of space systems, launch vehicle mechanics, orbital dynamics, and mission operations
  • Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or other mission analysis tools
  • Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing timelines in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong communication and organizational skills, with ability to prioritize and adapt to shifting demands
  • High attention to detail with focus on delivering concise and technical review content

Preferred

  • Previous spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload engineering experience
  • Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or rideshare mission integration
  • Experience working with prime contractors or government entities
  • Familiarity with flight software, embedded systems, and space communications protocols (CCSDS, S-band, X-band)

What We Offer

  • Equity in Apex
  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance
  • Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
  • 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
  • Premium desk setup and productivity tools
  • World-class Playa Vista office with in-person collaboration and work-life flexibility