Spacecraft Mechanisms and Actuators Engineer Seen this week

About the Role

Apex is seeking a highly technical Mechanisms and 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.

You 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.

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 vibration, thermal vacuum, 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.

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.
• Comprehensive paid time off: 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 per day for work-related travel.
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks.
• Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and family gatherings.
• Desk setup and tools for productivity.
• In-person collaboration at Los Angeles Playa Vista office with flexible work integration.