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 We’re looking for a Hardware Avionics Test Engineer to join our growing Test team. In this role, you’ll focus on hardware integration and testing, system-level and component-level test rack planning and buildup, avionics validation, and automated spacecraft test execution. You’ll work closely with electrical, mechanical, RF, and systems engineers to build and operate integrated spacecraft test environments, execute qualification campaigns, and troubleshoot flight hardware throughout development and integration. This role is highly hands-on and ideal for engineers who enjoy working directly with hardware, integration setups, and environmental testing.
Responsibilities: Develop and execute test procedures for spacecraft avionics subsystems and RF hardware Build, configure, and maintain: Flatsats Communications racks Component-level and system-level test setups Support hardware integration activities including: Harnessing Fixturing Rack integration Mechanical/electrical interface validation Operate laboratory instrumentation including: Oscilloscopes Multimeters Power supplies DAQ systems VNAs Vector signal analyzers/generators Execute RF and avionics validation testing for: Antennas Radios and transceivers GNSS systems LNAs and PAs RF switches Couplers and power dividers Perform: Near-field antenna testing Cable loss characterization S-parameter measurements Insertion loss analysis Support environmental and qualification campaigns including: EMI/EMC Vibration Thermal cycling TVAC Support RF testing in thermal vacuum environments, including understanding of corona and multipactor considerations Troubleshoot flight hardware and flatsat hardware failures during integration and test Execute and document: Functional checkouts Acceptance testing Environmental screening Integrated system validation Author and maintain Design Verification Plans (DVPs), procedures, and test documentation Collaborate with cross-functional teams on design-for-test initiatives and spacecraft integration campaigns Required