--- title: 'Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer at Apex Technology, Inc.' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-electric-propulsion-engineer-apex-technology-inc-los-angeles-ytj0mqfwjdvv' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-09' --- # Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer at Apex Technology, Inc. - **Company:** [Apex Technology, Inc.](https://feeny.ai/companies/apex-technology-inc) - **Location:** Los Angeles, CA - **Employment:** full-time - **Posted:** 2026-09-02 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/apex-technology-inc/0d7a8e7b-724d-4627-83e0-46a8b02ff003 ## Job description 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 Apex is seeking a Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer to join our closely integrated team, driving the development of our propulsion systems to meet the requirements of our spacecraft bus. You will have the opportunity to 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 an electric propulsion system architecture - Documenting and maintaining 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 (i.e. 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 (e.g., 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/supplier relationships, conduct analyses, and provide support (either virtual or onsite) 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 in the supply chain. - 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. - 8+ 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 (i.e. tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves, etc.) - Experience with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks) - Working knowledge for 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, are a plus). - Experience with electric propulsion operations in space 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 Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together. ## EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. ## About Apex Technology, Inc. ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Apex designs and manufactures productized, configurable satellite bus platforms at high rate to eliminate the production bottleneck for proliferated commercial and government constellations. - **Entity Type**: Private (growth-stage; raised $200M+ in June 2026 at $2.3B valuation) - **Headquarters**: Los Angeles, California, USA - **Founded**: 2022 - **Founders**: Ian Cinnamon and Max Benassi ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Aerospace / Satellite Manufacturing - **Target customers**: B2B – commercial satellite operators, government agencies (U.S. DoD, Space Force, NASA), and prime defense contractors. - **Mission statement**: To redefine how satellites are designed and manufactured, enabling customers to rapidly deploy critical constellations by eliminating the satellite production bottleneck. ## Products & Services - **Aries**: A productized satellite bus platform for small-to-medium payloads. First Aries satellite launched in 2024 and continues operating in LEO. Supports payloads up to ~150 kg (estimated). - **Nova**: A medium-class configurable bus designed for missions such as the Project Shadow space-based interceptor demonstration. Launching summer 2026. - **Comet**: A large satellite bus supporting payloads up to 3,000 kg, including a recently announced “Mini” configuration. Suitable for GEO and heavy LEO missions. - **End-to-End Mission Services**: Payload integration, space vehicle analysis, and on-orbit commissioning support. - **Octopus**: Proprietary operating system that integrates inventory management, production scheduling, and assembly work instructions into a single dynamic environment. ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: $2.3 billion (June 2026) - **Key Metric**: Total funding – $200M+ in latest growth round (June 2026); cumulative funding reported as $870.4M (Datanyze). Annual revenue not publicly available. - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Glade Brook Capital Partners (lead), Washington Harbour Partners (co-lead), existing investors; collaborator with Northrop Grumman on the Golden Dome for America initiative. - **Growth Signals**: - Factory One in Los Angeles has peak capacity of 200+ satellites per year; expanding to 100,000+ sq. ft. by end of 2026. - Headcount more than doubled in the past year to over 350 employees. - First satellite (Aries) launched and operating; Nova 1 launching summer 2026 for Project Shadow. - Named one of Fast Company’s most innovative space companies in 2025. ## Competitive Advantages - **Productized bus platforms**: Configurable, built ahead of need, and delivered in weeks/months instead of years – directly addressing the satellite production bottleneck. - **High-rate manufacturing**: Factory designed from the ground up for serial production, with cell-based subassembly, linear integration cleanroom, and a 66,000-lbf vibration table. - **Proprietary software (Octopus)**: Links inventory, scheduling, and work instructions to dynamically adjust to demand. - **Flight heritage & speed**: World record for fastest clean-sheet design to production spacecraft operating in space. - **Strategic government relationships**: Already delivering for national security missions (Project Shadow, Golden Dome collaboration). ## Strategic Focus - Scaling satellite production capacity to support proliferated constellations for defense and commercial customers. - Vertical integration of key subsystems to reduce lead times and increase reliability. - Expanding Factory One campus and investing in ahead-of-need manufacturing of all three platforms. - Building flight heritage across multiple platforms and orbital regimes (LEO & GEO). - Strengthening position as the strategic satellite supplier of choice for U.S. government missions. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Collaboration, ownership, and impact from day one. Team includes U.S. military veterans, new graduates, and engineers from startups and primes. - **Work model**: On-site at the Los Angeles factory; hands-on manufacturing and engineering environment. - **Benefits** (full-time): - 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for employees and dependents. - 401(k) match: 100% of first 3%, 50% of next 2%. - Stock options in a fast-growing startup valued at $2.3B. - 8 weeks paid parental leave, Dependent Care FSA, daily childcare reimbursements up to $350, and a $1,500 DoorDash gift card. - 15 days vacation (increases to 20 after 3 years), 10 paid holidays, Christmas week shutdown, 6 sick days. - $100,000 basic life insurance (company-paid). - **Engineering culture**: Relentless focus on speed and scale; technicians and engineers build and test satellites at record pace using proprietary tools. ## Sources 1. [Apex Space – Official Website](https://www.apexspace.com/) 2. [Apex Careers Page](https://www.apexspace.com/careers) 3. [Apex Funding Announcement – $2.3B Valuation (June 2026)](https://www.apexspace.com/blog/apex-announces-additional-fundraising-at-2b-valuation-to-scale-high-rate-satellite-production-for-proliferated-constellations) 4. [Apex LinkedIn Company Page](https://www.linkedin.com/company/apexsatellites) 5. [Datanyze – Apex Profile (revenue & funding estimates)](https://www.datanyze.com/companies/apex/566131966) ## Other roles at Apex Technology, Inc. - [Simulation Software Engineering Internship (Spring or Summer 2027)](https://feeny.ai/job/simulation-software-engineering-internship-spring-or-summer-2027-apex-xk30crj0acgs) — Los Angeles, CA - [Staff Mission Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-mission-manager-apex-technology-inc-los-angeles-fy4d0yxbbdmz) — Los Angeles, CA - [Enterprise Security Architect](https://feeny.ai/job/enterprise-security-architect-apex-technology-inc-los-angeles-pr85ra4z75ts) — Los Angeles, CA - [Avionics Internship, Power Electronics (Spring or Summer 2027)](https://feeny.ai/job/avionics-internship-power-electronics-spring-or-summer-2027-apex-technology-inc-vgdgytp4k46d) — Los Angeles, CA - [Thermal Engineering Internship (Spring or Summer 2027)](https://feeny.ai/job/thermal-engineering-internship-spring-or-summer-2027-apex-technology-inc-los-zrv90pxzxp1r) — Los Angeles, CA - [Ground Software Engineering Internship (Spring or Summer 2027)](https://feeny.ai/job/ground-software-engineering-internship-spring-or-summer-2027-apex-technology-6m6bt5jysv1b) — Los Angeles, CA - [Software Engineering Internship, Test & Automation (Summer 2027)](https://feeny.ai/job/software-engineering-internship-test-automation-summer-2027-apex-technology-inc-k8dh3z9b3g90) — Los Angeles, CA - [Electro-Optical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/electro-optical-engineer-apex-technology-inc-los-angeles-ytffgnamrj0j) — Los Angeles, CA - [Avionics Internship (Spring or Summer 2027)](https://feeny.ai/job/avionics-internship-spring-or-summer-2027-apex-technology-inc-los-angeles-cpnqa1615rr6) — Los Angeles, CA - [Mechanical Engineering Internship (Spring or Summer 2027)](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineering-internship-spring-or-summer-2027-apex-technology-inc-los-4kfnr4wcvavv) — Los Angeles, CA