Mechanical Design Engineer - Solar Array (Mid)
Apex
Design
Los Angeles, CA, USA
USD 115k-145k / year + Equity
Posted on Apr 23, 2025
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 Mechanical Design Engineer – Solar Array to help us design, analyze, and qualify the mechanical systems that make our solar arrays deploy and function flawlessly. This role is deeply hands-on and highly cross-functional—you’ll go from concept sketches to flight-qualified hardware in a fast-paced environment where your work will be critical to mission success.
Responsibilities:
- Own the mechanical design of solar array subassemblies and related deployment mechanisms
- Drive system-level and component-level trade studies to identify optimal mechanical configurations
- Build CAD models across the full design lifecycle—from concept to detailed, manufacturable parts
- Perform engineering analyses, including structural, dynamic, and thermal simulations
- Define detailed manufacturing requirements through part drawings and documentation
- Create and maintain supporting documentation including BOMs, materials specs, and mass models
- Contribute to test plans and verification strategies, and participate in qualification campaigns
- Present designs and analysis at internal reviews and provide clear technical documentation
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
- 3+ years of hands-on experience designing and qualifying mechanisms for space applications
- Strong CAD proficiency (NX preferred)
- Skilled in structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis methods and tools
- Fluent in GD&T and mechanical tolerancing practices
- Familiarity with components commonly used in space mechanisms (e.g., motors, hinges, actuators, bearings, hold-down systems)
- Understanding of electromechanical systems and motor control electronics
- Experience with design-for-manufacturing (DFM/DFX) principles
- Comfortable supporting environmental testing (vibe, shock, thermal, thermal-vacuum)
- Excellent communication, organization, and technical presentation skills
Salary Range: $115,000 - $145,000 a year
The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.
Benefits
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 offer the following benefits:
• Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.
• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision plans. The primary and dependents’ premium is 99%+ covered.
• Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package, to reset and recharge.
• Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.
• Paid parental leave.
• Daily lunch and unlimited snacks!
• Community events like monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club and more!
• Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.
• A world class office located in Playa Vista, filled with amazing coworkers and social gatherings for you and your family.
• An opportunity to make a real impact in the aerospace industry.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.