Mechanisms Engineer, Payloads

Responsibilities

• Design and develop payload deployment and articulation mechanisms, including hinges, latches, actuators, release mechanisms, and moving assemblies.
• Own mechanism hardware from concept through design, manufacturing, integration, and test.
• Develop 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, tolerance analyses, and GD&T.
• Perform hand calculations and analysis to evaluate loads, kinematics, stiffness, life, and mechanism performance.
• Select and integrate components such as motors, bearings, springs, fasteners, and actuators.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanisms with spacecraft and payload systems.
• Support hands-on assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and testing of hardware.
• Develop and execute functional, life-cycle, and environmental testing.
• Work with manufacturing and suppliers to resolve hardware and production issues.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical hardware.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks).
• Strong understanding of mechanical design fundamentals, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
• Strong hands-on problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Experience designing deployment, articulation, or electromechanical mechanisms for spacecraft, aerospace, robotics, or similar systems.
• Experience with kinematic, structural, or mechanism analysis.
• Experience with environmental and life-cycle testing.
• Experience with NX and Teamcenter.

About the Role

Apex is seeking a skilled Mechanisms Engineer, Payloads to join our satellite engineering team. In this role, you will design, develop, and test payload deployment and articulation mechanisms, including hinges, latches, actuators, release mechanisms, and other moving assemblies. You will own mechanism hardware from concept through flight, with a focus on reliable operation in the space environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with actuators, hinges, latches, release mechanisms, motors, bearings, or other mechanism components.
• Experience taking mechanisms from concept through manufacturing, integration, and test.
• #LI-MO1

Why Join Apex?

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're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

Shared upside

Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create

Best-in-class healthcare

100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost

Comprehensive PTO package

Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

Competitive 401(k) plan

Generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%

8 weeks paid parental leave

Plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel

Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks

To keep you fueled throughout the day

Vibrant community

Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family

Your dream desk setup

All the tools you need to be your most productive self

World-class Playa Vista office

With the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life

Real impact opportunity

Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Additional Information

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.

ITAR Requirements

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

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.