Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer

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 looking for a Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer to own the validation of flight hardware from first build through system level testing. This is a highly multidisciplinary role focused on structural and mechanical testing, with strong crossover into electrical and system-level validation. You’ll work across mechanical, avionics, and production teams to define how we test, build the infrastructure to do it, and execute campaigns that prove our spacecraft in real environments.

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  Own structural test strategy and execution across components, subsystems, and fully integrated spacecraft

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  Develop and operate fluid, hydraulic, and pressurized systems, including high-pressure and cryogenic environments

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  Design and integrate data acquisition and instrumentation (strain gauges, load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples)

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  Write and automate test procedures and scripts (primarily Python) for execution and data analysis

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  Lead test operations end-to-end, including setup, execution, and post-test review

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  Troubleshoot hardware and drive root cause analysis on structural test failures

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  Partner cross-functionally with design, analysis, avionics, and manufacturing to close the loop between test results and design

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field

• 3+ years of experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or complex structural testing

• Background designing large-scale structural test stands or load application systems

• Strong fundamentals in structural mechanics, including strength, stability, and fatigue

• Experience with structural analysis (hand calcs and/or FEM) and test correlation

• Hands-on experience with instrumentation and lab equipment (strain, load, pressure, thermal measurements)

• Experience designing, building, or operating structural test systems and hardware

• Experience with test automation and scripting (Python or similar)

• Ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership environments with evolving requirements

• Experience with environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC)

• Familiarity with NX/Teamcenter, Nastran, or ANSYS

• Experience working with high-pressure or cryogenic systems

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.