Senior Chemical Propulsion Engineer

Posted 17 days ago

apex technologyLos Angeles (CA)

Chemical Engineers Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing

SENIORITY

Senior

SALARY

$142 K - $192 K

Apply

About the role

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 Chemical Propulsion Engineer to join our closely integrated team, driving the development of our chemical 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. You will also be the first chemical propulsion engineer at Apex Space, and will help build our chemical propulsion capabilities, team, and infrastructure from the ground up.

Responsibilities:

Design, build, and test chemical propulsion systems
Design and build propulsion infrastructure and test facilities
Design propulsion system architecture, develop productspecifications, and maintain Technical Performance Metrics (TPMs)
Develop qualification and acceptance test plans and support saidtesting

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate propulsionsystems with other subsystems (e.g., electrical, thermal, structure).Troubleshoot anomalies that arise during manufacturing, leadinvestigation efforts, and ensure design for manufacturability (DFM)approaches are followed during all stages of development Directly interface with customer/supplier relationships, conductanalyses, and provide support (either virtual or onsite) as necessary. 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, propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline.8+ years of propulsion design and test experience Experience with mono and bi-propellant chemical propulsion systems Experience with handling and testing pressurized systems Demonstrated history of designing fluidic systems, fluid systeminstrumentation, 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, propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline
Experience operating leak, burst, proof test facilities
Experience leading an hot-fire test campaigns (power and fluid delivery systems for ground test, data acquisition systems, thrust stands, and plume diagnostics).Experience with chemical 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 OfferFor 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. Compensation Range: $142K - $192KLocationLos Angeles Employment TypeFull time DepartmentEngineeringCompensation$142K – $192KThe stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

Before you apply

Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.

Your profile is current

It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.

Two examples you can talk through

Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.

A number in mind

What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.

Your notice period

Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.

Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.