Director, Avionics

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. 

• →

• • Must be eligible to access ITAR-controlled technical data: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise a protected individual under ITAR / 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.

  • 8+ years of professional experience in avionics, electrical hardware, embedded electronics, or high-reliability hardware development.

  • 5+ years of direct, hands-on hardware engineering experience, with end-to-end ownership of complex electronics from architecture and design through integration, testing, and delivery.

  • Deep technical expertise in at least one core avionics hardware discipline — flight computers, embedded computing hardware, or power electronics — complemented by strong working knowledge of broader spacecraft electrical systems.

  • Proven people-management experience, including hiring, mentoring, developing technical leaders, managing performance, and building high-performing hardware engineering teams.

  • Ability to evaluate complex engineering decisions, guide architectural tradeoffs, and establish technical direction across multiple electrical disciplines.

  • Experience defining technical strategy, setting engineering priorities, and aligning execution with organizational objectives.

  • Strong understanding of hardware development from design and prototyping through integration, verification, qualification, and delivery.

  • Experience delivering complex electrical hardware in spacecraft, aerospace, or similarly demanding high-reliability environments such as automotive or defense.

  • Strong technical judgment, cross-functional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

  • Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

  • Experience leading avionics or electrical hardware development across multiple spacecraft programs or product lines.

  • Direct technical ownership of flight computers, onboard computing hardware (including FPGA/SoC-based designs), power electronics, or other flight-critical spacecraft electrical systems.

  • Experience scaling hardware from prototype or initial flight designs into repeatable, high-rate production, including design for manufacturability and standardization.

  • Experience building or scaling engineering organizations, developing technical leaders, and implementing processes to support growth.

  • Experience designing electronics for harsh environments, including radiation, thermal, vibration, and EMI/EMC considerations.

  • Familiarity with space EEE-parts selection, radiation-hardness assurance (RHA), and derating/reliability analysis for flight electronics.

  • Experience with fault-tolerant, redundant, and high-reliability avionics architectures.

  • Experience defining technical roadmaps and introducing new technologies across multiple programs.

  • Experience in a fast-paced, vertically integrated, or startup engineering environment.

  Apex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here.

• Partner with flight software, mechanical, propulsion, systems, manufacturing, and production engineering to ensure clean spacecraft integration — supplying the avionics expertise the Vehicle Directors’ Integration & Test and Satellite Design Engineers build to.

• Own technical execution, priorities, risk management, and delivery across multiple concurrent spacecraft programs.

• Identify opportunities for innovation, architectural commonality, and continuous improvement so each new program inherits proven, flight-heritage avionics instead of starting over.

Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full-time hires are also eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.

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.