Spacecraft Environmental Test Engineer

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 seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Environmental Test Engineer specializing in environmental testing and checkouts. This candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our space systems and components through testing procedures. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing test protocols & equipment that focus on simulating environmental conditions our spacecraft will encounter during their lifecycle

• Develop, execute, and manage test plans, procedures, protocols, and requirements for a variety of different types of environmental testing/checkouts – including vibration & shock testing, thermal cycling & TVAC testing, EMI/EMC testing, and pneumatic pressure testing

• Scope, purchase, set-up and maintain various pieces of environmental testing equipment (i.e. Vibration Shakers, Thermal Chambers, etc.)

• Perform both production & qualification level environmental testing, including functional and performance checks, to ensure compliance.

• Analyze test data, interpret results, and generate comprehensive test reports.

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and action issues across several kinds of systems on both spacecraft and test equipment

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, design, and quality assurance to identify & resolve issues

• Continuously improve testing processes and methodologies to enhance both accuracy and efficiency.

• Provide technical support and guidance to engineers and technicians.

• Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices in environmental testing.

• U.S. Persons status is required as this position needs to access export-controlled data

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

• 3+ years of experience in environmental testing within the aerospace industry.

• Strong knowledge of aerospace testing standards, protocols, and regulations such as MIL-STD-461, GSFC-STD-7000, SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-810, etc.

• Experience with operating and maintaining environmental testing equipment.

• Experience and understanding of instrumentation used during environmental testing (i.e. thermocouples, accelerometers, DAQ’s, etc.)

• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

• Certification in relevant aerospace standards

• Experience with avionics functional and/or pneumatic pressure testing

• Experience in programming (Python, LabVIEW, etc.)

• Experience bringing environmental testing to a high production rate

• Knowledge of data acquisition and analysis software

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.