Senior Mechanical Engineer – Ground Systems, MGSE

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 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

Salary Range: $165,000 - $195,000 a year

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

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 backed by $200M in Series D 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 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…