Mechanisms Engineer, Payloads

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. 

Apex is seeking a skilled Mechanisms Engineer, Payloads to join our satellite engineering team. In this role, you will design, develop, and test payload deployment and articulation mechanisms, including hinges, latches, actuators, release mechanisms, and other moving assemblies. You will own mechanism hardware from concept through flight, with a focus on reliable operation in the space environment.

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  Design and develop payload deployment and articulation mechanisms, including hinges, latches, actuators, release mechanisms, and moving assemblies.

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  Own mechanism hardware from concept through design, manufacturing, integration, and test.

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  Develop 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, tolerance analyses, and GD&T.

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  Perform hand calculations and analysis to evaluate loads, kinematics, stiffness, life, and mechanism performance.

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  Select and integrate components such as motors, bearings, springs, fasteners, and actuators.

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  Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanisms with spacecraft and payload systems.

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  Support hands-on assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and testing of hardware.

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  Develop and execute functional, life-cycle, and environmental testing.

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  Work with manufacturing and suppliers to resolve hardware and production issues.

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical hardware.

• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks).

• Strong understanding of mechanical design fundamentals, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.

• Strong hands-on problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience designing deployment, articulation, or electromechanical mechanisms for spacecraft, aerospace, robotics, or similar systems.

• Experience with actuators, hinges, latches, release mechanisms, motors, bearings, or other mechanism components.

• Experience taking mechanisms from concept through manufacturing, integration, and test.

• Experience with kinematic, structural, or mechanism analysis.

• Experience with environmental and life-cycle testing.

• Experience with NX and Teamcenter.

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.