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 looking for a Lead Structures Engineer to support our current and next generation satellites. This person will own the design, development, and delivery of flight-critical spacecraft structural systems from concept through on-orbit operation. This role will drive architecture, analysis, hardware execution, and cross-functional integration for primary and secondary structures, load-bearing assemblies, and structural interfaces. You will operate with high ownership, leading complex hardware programs while partnering closely with thermal, avionics, propulsion, mechanisms, and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable, production-ready systems at scale.
Responsibilities: Own end-to-end design of spacecraft structural systems (primary structure, secondary structure, brackets, panels, and interfaces) from concept through flight, including architecture,
requirements, CAD, drawings, and specifications Drive trade studies (mass, stiffness, strength, manufacturability, reliability), make-vs.-buy decisions, and supplier execution while partnering cross-functionally (thermal, propulsion, avionics, GNC, manufacturing) to deliver fully integrated systems Perform first-principles analysis and FEA (static, dynamic, modal, thermal distortion, and load path analysis) to size and validate spacecraft structural components and assemblies Develop and execute structural test plans (development, qualification, acceptance), including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, and static load testing; analyze results and iterate designs based on data and flight feedback Own hardware through build, integration, and test, diagnosing issues quickly and driving solutions in fast-paced, hands-on environments Lead a small team through design reviews, set technical direction, and mentor engineers while driving decisions that balance performance, risk, schedule, and manufacturability