Apex
aerospace
LeadMechanicalEngineer,Structures
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Lead candidates.
“Lead Mechanical Engineer, Structures at Apex. Skills: spacecraft structural systems design, architecture, analysis, hardware execution, cross-functional integration, primary structures, secondary structures, load-bearing assemblies, structural interfaces, FEA (static, dynamic, modal, thermal distortion, and load path analysis), structural test plans development and execution, CAD, FEA tools. Own end-to-end design of spacecraft structural systems (primary structure, secondary structure, brackets,”
What You'll Achieve.
deliver reliable, production-ready systems at scale; deliver fully integrated systems; size and validate spacecraft structural components and assemblies; iterate designs based on data and flight feedback; driving decisions that balance performance, risk, schedule, and manufacturability
Industry & Context.
diagnosing issues quickly and driving solutions; solve complex problems
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related field), 5+ years of experience designing and delivering structural or mechanical systems, 1+ years of professional experience leadinging technical teams and/or projects, Experience owning hardware from concept through test or production, fundamentals in structural analysis, mechanical design, and system integration, Experience designing lightweight aerospace structures, load-bearing assemblies, composite or metallic structures, and structural interfaces, Proficiency with CAD (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks) and FEA tools (ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, etc. ), Experience developing and executing structural test campaigns, Demonstrated ability to move quickly, take ownership, and solve complex problems in fast-paced environments, Experience working with suppliers and managing external partners, Exposure to spacecraft, launch vehicles, or other high-performance hardware systems
Nice to Have
Experience with spacecraft or aerospace structural systems, Familiarity with environmental testing (vibe, shock, thermal vacuum), Hands-on experience with machining, assembly, integration, or hardware bring-up, Familiarity with composite design, bonded structures, or lightweighting strategies, Scripting or analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, etc. )
What You'll Do.
Own end-to-end design of spacecraft structural systems (primary structure
and interfaces) from concept through flight
including architecture
Drive trade studies (mass
make-vs. -buy decisions
and supplier execution while partnering cross-functionally (thermal
manufacturing) to deliver fully integrated systems
Perform first-principles analysis and FEA (static
and load path analysis) to size and validate spacecraft structural components and assemblies
Develop and execute structural test plans (development
and static load analyze results and iterate designs based on data and flight feedback
Own hardware through build
diagnosing issues quickly and driving solutions in fast-paced
hands-on environments
Lead a small team through design reviews
set technical direction
and mentor engineers while driving decisions that balance performance
and manufacturability
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
partnering closely with thermal, avionics, propulsion, mechanisms, and manufacturing teams; partnering cross-functionally (thermal, propulsion, avionics, GNC, manufacturing); Lead a small team through design reviews; set technical direction; mentor engineers; in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers
Process & Methodology
Own end-to-end design of spacecraft structural systems, Drive trade studies, make-vs. -buy decisions, supplier execution, Own hardware through build, integration, and test, driving decisions that balance performance, risk, schedule, and manufacturability
Full Job Description
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 looking for a Lead Structures Engineer to support our current and next generation satellites. This person will own the design, development, and delivery of flight-critical spacecraft structural systems from concept through on-orbit operation. This role will drive architecture, analysis, hardware execution, and cross-functional integration for primary and secondary structures, load-bearing assemblies, and structural interfaces. You will operate with high ownership, leading complex hardware programs while partnering closely with thermal, avionics, propulsion, mechanisms, and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable, production-ready systems at scale. Responsibilities: - Own end-to-end design of spacecraft structural systems (primary structure, secondary structure, brackets, panels, and interfaces) from concept through flight, including architecture, requirements, CAD, drawings, and specifications - Drive trade studies (mass, stiffness, strength, manufacturability, reliability), make-vs.-buy decisions, and supplier execution while partnering cross-functionally (thermal, propulsion, avionics, G
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