Spacecraft Mechanisms and Actuators Engineer

About the company

Apex is a space startup that manufactures satellite buses and is involved in missile defense collaborations.

About this 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 Apex is seeking a highly technical Mechanisms & Actuators Engineer to support the development of spacecraft electromechanical systems, with a primary focus on Solar Array Drive Assemblies (SADAs), reaction wheels, and other high reliability mechanisms critical to spacecraft operation. This role will own and drive the development, integration, testing, and qualification of flight mechanisms and actuator systems from early architecture through delivery. You’ll work across mechanical, avionics, controls, GNC, and production teams to develop reliable, scalable, and flight-proven electromechanical hardware capable of surviving demanding space environments and mission lifetimes. We’re looking for someone who understands how to design and deliver electromechanical systems, who can operate effectively in a fast-paced spacecraft development environment. Responsibilities: - Conceptualize, design, assemble, and test spacecraft electromechanical systems including SADAs, reaction wheels, deployment actuators, and other high-reliability mechanisms. - Own actuator and mechanism development from concept through qualification and flight delivery. - Support architecture development, trade studies, component selection, and performance analysis for flight mechanisms and motor-driven systems. - Collaborate closely with avionics, controls, GNC, and software teams on actuator electrical, mechanical, and controls interfaces. - Define and execute qualification and life cycle testing for high reliability rotary actuators - Support mechanism integration, hardware bring-up, troubleshooting, and environmental testing including vibe, TVAC, and life cycle testing campaigns. - Drive root cause investigations and failure analysis activities related to actuator or mechanism performance. - Develop manufacturing, assembly, and test strategies for scalable spacecraft production. - Partner with suppliers and internal teams on component development, qualification, procurement, and hardware validation. - Contribute to spacecraft-level integration efforts and support flight hardware through build, test, and launch campaigns. - Create and maintain design documentation, requirements, interface definitions, test plans, and verification reports. Requirements: - B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical discipline. - 5+ years of experience developing electromechanical systems, mechanisms, rotary actuators, for aerospace or other high-reliability applications. - Experience owning or contributing to the development and delivery of long-life electromechanical actuators for space vehicles. - Strong understanding of motors, bearings, geartrains, and rotating systems - Hands-on experience with mechanism integration, testing, troubleshooting, and hardware bring-up. - Familiarity with environmental qualification testing including vibration, thermal vacuum, shock, and lifetime testing. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to debug complex system-level issues. - Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced development environments with high ownership and autonomy. - Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills. Nice to Haves: - Experience with Solar Array Drive Assemblies (SADAs), reaction wheels, control moment gyroscopes, gimbals, or deployment systems - Familiarity with motor driver electronics, embedded control implementation, and/or motor feedback devices - Experience with rotor dynamics analysis and/or rotary balancing techniques - Experience developing mechanisms for high-cycle-life or long-duration space missions. - Familiarity with spacecraft environmental and qualification standards. - Experience supporting flight hardware through integration, launch, and on-orbit operations. WHY JOIN APEX? 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're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one. WHAT WE OFFER FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES: - Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create - Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost - Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays - Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2% - 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel - Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day - Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family - Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self - World-class Playa Vista office with th