# Staff Electric Propulsion Engineer, Cathodes at Apex Space

- Company: Apex Space
- What the company does: Mass-manufacturing productized satellite platforms to accelerate deployment of critical, next-generation constellations. Backed by a16z and CRV.
- Company website: https://www.apexspace.com
- Type: Startups
- Level: Senior
- Location: Los Angeles
- Work setup: On-site
- Pay: $165K to $226K base salary per year (USD)
- Posted: 2026-09-25
- Apply by: 2026-11-09
- Apply: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/apex-technology-inc/3137a037-b32c-45f0-bc50-25506af5e79c
- Page: https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/apex-space-staff-electric-propulsion-engineer-cathodes/

## About the role

Apex is seeking a Staff Electric Propulsion Engineer with deep expertise in cathodes to own the design, development, qualification, and production of the cathode technology at the heart of our electric propulsion systems. Building on Apex's in-house Hall-effect thruster capability, you will be the technical authority on hollow and heaterless cathode design, from emitter physics and thermal-mechanical design through cathode-thruster coupling, life characterization, and design-for-manufacturing at rate.

## What they're looking for

- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, plasma/propulsion engineering, applied physics, or a related field
- Deep, hands-on knowledge of hollow and/or heaterless cathode physics, including thermionic emission, emitter materials, plasma discharge behavior, keeper/orifice design, and cathode coupling to Hall or ion thrusters
- Experience planning and executing cathode or EP test campaigns in vacuum facilities, including plasma diagnostics, performance measurement, and long-duration life/wear testing
- Strong understanding of the failure and degradation mechanisms that drive cathode life, including emitter depletion, erosion, poisoning, and contamination, and how to design and test against them
- Working knowledge of spacecraft propulsion system architecture, propellant feed systems, and range safety requirements (e.g., SSCMAN 91-710)
- Ability to decompose requirements and ICDs and communicate clearly across engineering disciplines

Tags: Engineering