Senior Chemical Propulsion Engineer Seen this week

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

About the Role

Apex is seeking a Senior Chemical Propulsion Engineer to join the team and drive development of chemical propulsion systems for our spacecraft bus. You will approach this from clean-sheet design, guiding propulsion system architecture, integration, and testing. You will be the first chemical propulsion engineer at Apex and will help build our chemical propulsion capabilities, team, and infrastructure from the ground up.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and test chemical propulsion systems
Design and build propulsion infrastructure and test facilities
Design propulsion system architecture, develop product specifications, and maintain Technical Performance Metrics (TPMs)
Develop qualification and acceptance test plans and support testing
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate propulsion systems with electrical, thermal, and structural subsystems
Troubleshoot anomalies during manufacturing, lead investigation efforts, and ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) approaches throughout development
Directly interface with customer and supplier relationships, conduct analyses, and provide support as necessary
Contribute to proposals and business development efforts

Requirements

U.S. Person status required for access to export controlled data
Bachelor's degree in mechanical, propulsion, or aerospace-related engineering
8+ years of propulsion design and test experience
Experience with mono and bi-propellant chemical propulsion systems
Experience handling and testing pressurized systems
Demonstrated history designing fluidic systems, fluid system instrumentation, and control components (tanks, regulators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, solenoid valves, etc.)
CAD software experience (NX, SolidWorks)
Working knowledge of manufacturing in clean environments and AS9100 protocols

Preferred Qualifications

Master's or Ph.D in mechanical, propulsion, or aerospace-related engineering
Experience operating leak, burst, and proof test facilities
Experience leading hot-fire test campaigns (power and fluid delivery systems, data acquisition systems, thrust stands, plume diagnostics)
Experience with chemical propulsion operations in space

What We Offer

Equity in Apex
100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and dependents, plus 100k life insurance
15 days vacation starting, 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 per 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 productivity
In-person collaboration at Playa Vista office with work-life flexibility