Senior Mechanical Engineer – Ground Systems, MGSE

Apex manufactures satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

About The Role

Apex is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer – Ground Systems (MGSE) to join our team and help design, build, and support the equipment that makes spacecraft integration, testing, and launch possible. You’ll work hands-on with hardware and collaborate closely with engineering, test, and manufacturing teams to ensure that Apex spacecraft are supported by reliable, efficient, and scalable mechanical ground support systems.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical ground equipment using 3D CAD tools (NX)
• Create part drawings, assembly models, and bills of materials
• Develop and review load paths, fixture stability, and stress margins using both hand calculations and FEA when appropriate
• Experience with the design, analysis, build, and test of advanced space hardware
• Support integration, assembly, and test campaigns with real-time mechanical expertise
• Create documentation packages to detail MGSE use cases/capabilities, analysis, etc.
• Build and refine procedures for the use of MGSE in cleanroom and floor operations
• Collaborate cross-functionally with systems, electrical, software, and test teams to ensure successful hardware integration

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
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design or test support (master’s degree may substitute for experience)
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (CATIA preferred)
• Basic understanding of mechanical design principles, tolerancing, and structural analysis
• Familiarity with manufacturing methods, materials, and inspection processes
• Ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical teams
• Experience working with Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) in aerospace or satellite environments
• Familiarity with lifting/rigging hardware, fluid systems, or pneumatic systems
• Experience performing structural analysis with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN)
• Exposure to integration & test operations, cleanroom practices, or launch campaigns
• Comfortable working hands-on with hardware and supporting floor operations

Pay

Salary Range: $165,000 - $195,000 a year. The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits.

Benefits

• 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 with 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
• Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
• Your dream desk setup and 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