Spacecraft Dynamics 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. 

About the Role

Apex is looking for a Spacecraft Dynamics Engineer to own dynamic analysis and vehicle response across our spacecraft. This role is responsible for predicting and validating how our hardware behaves across all phases of flight, from ground and launch environments through on-orbit operations. You’ll work across structures, test, and systems teams to ensure our vehicles are robust to vibration, shock, acoustics, and coupled loads.

Responsibilities:

• Own dynamic and loads analysis across components, subsystems, and full spacecraft

• Expertise in CLA, load derivation and structural verification

• Develop load cases and environmental requirements (quasi-static, random vibration, shock, acoustics)

• Predict vehicle response across launch, deployment, and on-orbit conditions

• Perform structural dynamics analyses using FEM and analytical methods to evaluate loads, margins, and system behavior

• Build and assemble coupled system models across spacecraft and launch vehicle interfaces

• Plan and execute dynamic test campaigns, including vibration and mode survey testing, from setup through data validation and model correlation

• Process and analyze test and flight data to validate models and improve prediction accuracy

• Evaluate analytical predictions against test and flight data and drive improvements to loads methodologies

• Develop internal tools and workflows (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for simulation, data processing, and signal analysis

• Partner cross functionally with design, test, and manufacturing teams to influence hardware and ensure requirements are met

• Provide technical leadership on complex dynamics problems and mentor more junior engineers

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field

• 8+ years of experience in structural dynamics, loads, or environment prediction

• Strong fundamentals in vibration, shock, transient response, and frequency-domain analysis

• Experience with finite element modeling and analysis (NASTRAN, FEMAP, or similar)

• Strong background in linear algebra, numerical methods, and dynamic system modeling

• Experience with telemetry, test, or flight data processing and correlation

• Experience developing simulation tools and performing high-speed data and signal processing

• Ability to communicate complex dynamics concepts clearly across engineering teams

• Proven ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership environments

Nice to have:

• Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle coupled loads analysis

• Hands-on experience with vibration, shock, or mode survey testing

• Familiarity with industry standards (GSFC, MIL-STD, etc.)

• Experience with flexible body dynamics or separation events

• Experience building internal tools or automating analysis workflows

#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.

What We Offer For Full-time Employees:

• 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 to reset and recharge - 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 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 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

• 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.