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Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer
Apex
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Posted on Sep 19, 2024
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.
Responsibilities:
- Define the requirements of electric or chemical propulsion systems on spacecraft.
- Perform analysis and trades for electric or chemical propulsion systems.
- Define placement and integration of electric or chemical propulsion systems.
- Manage propulsion system budgets (mass, power, volume, etc).
- Work with external vendors in defining chemical propulsion flight systems and their integration on spacecraft.
- Work with external vendors or partners in the development and qualification of electric propulsion systems.
- Develop propulsion system designs and models.
- Conduct analyses and risk assessments to ensure compliance with performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
- Optimize designs for weight reduction, material selection, and manufacturability.
- Evaluate and select appropriate materials and processes for use on a spacecraft.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate propulsion systems with other subsystems (e.g., electrical, thermal, structure).
- Participate in the assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) process of spacecraft hardware.
- Perform or manage environmental testing, such as radiation, EMI/EMC, vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum tests.
- Assess supplier capabilities and manage ongoing supplier performance to maintain quality and reliability of system components.
- Prepare technical documentation, including engineering drawings, specifications, and test reports.
- Maintain accurate records of design changes, test results, and other engineering documentation.
- Generate comprehensive reports and presentations to communicate design concepts, analysis results, and recommendations to stakeholders.
- Stay updated with the latest advancements in electric and chemical propulsion.
- Identify areas for improvement in design methodologies, manufacturing processes, and quality control.
- Contribute to research and development projects aimed at enhancing spacecraft performance and capabilities.
- Mentor junior engineers and interns, facilitating knowledge transfer and professional development within the team.
Requirements:
- U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field with 10+ years of experience, or a Master's degree with 5+ years of experience, or a Ph.D. degree with 3+ years of experience.
- Minimum 3+ years of experience in developing and implementing electric propulsion systems for spaceflight.
- Strong understanding of electric propulsion systems, including: thruster, power electronics, feed system, and gimbals.
- Demonstrated project management and leadership skills.
- Proficiency in CAD software for 3D modeling and drafting (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and analysis (e.g., MATLAB, ANSYS).
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes for aerospace-grade materials and components.
- Strong understanding of the qualification process of electric propulsion systems and their integration on spacecraft.
- Experience in testing electric propulsion systems. Detailed knowledge of vacuum systems, high-voltage power and fluid delivery systems for ground test, data acquisition systems, thrust stands, and plasma diagnostics, are a plus.
- Working knowledge and experience with chemical propulsion systems.
- Experience operating electric propulsion systems on spacecraft is a plus.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Effective communication skills to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
- Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
- Familiarity with industry standards and regulations, such as ASME, ASTM, and NASA guidelines.
Salary Range: $165,000 - $195,000 a year
The 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.
Benefits
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 offer the following benefits:
• Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.
• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision plans. The primary and dependents’ premium is 99%+ covered.
• Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package, to reset and recharge.
• Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.
• Paid parental leave.
• Daily lunch and unlimited snacks!
• Community events like monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club and more!
• Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.
• A world class office located in Playa Vista, filled with amazing coworkers and social gatherings for you and your family.
• An opportunity to make a real impact in the aerospace industry.
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.