Lead Mission Integration Engineer Seen this week

Apex Spacecraft · Los Angeles · Production · first seen 2026-07-16

About the Role

As Lead Mission Integration Engineer, you will define and own end-to-end mission architecture while leading a team responsible for ensuring seamless integration between spacecraft systems, customers, and mission operations. You will mentor and task the mission integration team, serving as the primary technical liaison for complex spacecraft missions. This role balances long-term strategic mission planning with short-term technical execution, approximately 50% management and 50% individual contributor work.

Responsibilities

Lead the mission integration team in defining end-to-end mission architecture, including spacecraft, launch vehicle, ground systems, and operations per customer requirements
Own mission analysis capabilities across orbital mechanics, trajectory planning, and spacecraft deployment strategies while mentoring team members in advanced analysis techniques
Serve as senior technical liaison between internal technical teams and customers, leading critical design reviews and mission readiness assessments
Direct technical assessments including coupled loads analysis (CLA), thermal analysis, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and mission-specific budgets across multiple concurrent missions
Lead payload integration activities and collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish integration procedures and technical roadmaps for future missions
Support business development efforts by leading technical proposal development, feasibility studies, and cost estimation for future missions

Requirements

U.S. Person status required; this position requires access to export controlled data
8+ years of mission integration, payload integration, or spacecraft systems engineering experience
2+ years of leadership experience or senior technical role managing engineering teams
Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
Strong understanding of space systems, launch vehicle mechanics, orbital dynamics, and mission operations with proven track record of successful mission deliveries
Advanced proficiency in mission analysis tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, MATLAB, Python) and experience working with prime contractors or government entities in technical leadership capacity
Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or rideshare mission integration across multiple vehicle classes

Preferred Requirements

Familiarity with flight software, embedded systems, and space communications protocols (CCSDS, S-band, X-band, etc.)
Previous spacecraft, launch vehicle, or payload engineering experience in leadership roles within satellite manufacturing or related aerospace industries
Strong background in system-level failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and reliability engineering methodologies

What We Offer

Equity in Apex
100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
401(k) plan with 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
Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and family gatherings
Equipment and tools for productive work
Playa Vista office with in-person collaboration and flexibility