Mechanical Engineer (Propulsion/Fluids)

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical design of propulsion system hardware and its integration into propulsion modules
• Perform analysis and testing to satisfy propulsion subsystem requirements
• Design propulsion module structures, housings, plasma-facing components, and mechanical interfaces
• Perform structural and vibration analyses to support launch loads and thermal cycling
• Generate and maintain CAD models, drawings, and GD&T for flight hardware
• Support manufacturing, assembly, and integration of propulsion and fluid hardware
• Plan and execute propulsion hardware testing including vacuum, leak, and thermal vacuum qualification
• Diagnose test anomalies and drive corrective action and design iteration
• Partner with systems engineering on requirements and subsystem interfaces
• Support launch campaigns and on-orbit performance evaluation

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience delivering mechanical and/or fluid system hardware
• Strong foundation in fluid mechanics including compressible/rarefied gas flow and pressure drop
• Experience designing and developing pressurized fluid systems
• Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred)
• Ability to own hardware from concept through qualification and flight

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with electric propulsion systems such as Hall thrusters or ion thrusters
• Experience with spacecraft propellant feed systems or xenon
• Familiarity with propulsion testing in vacuum facilities
• Prior flight hardware experience

Benefits

• Equity in Apex
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents
• $100k life insurance
• Comprehensive PTO package
• 401(k) plan with matching
• 8 weeks paid parental leave and childcare reimbursement
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks

About the Company

Apex manufactures satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing to provide humankind access to the galaxy.