Mass-manufacturing productized satellite platforms to accelerate deployment of critical, next-generation constellations. Backed by a16z and CRV.
About the role
Apex is seeking a Staff Electric Propulsion Engineer with deep expertise in Hall-effect thrusters to serve as the technical authority for our Hall thruster development and production. Building on Apex's in-house Hall-effect thruster capability, you will own the thruster from plasma physics and discharge channel design through qualification, flight integration, 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 Hall thruster physics and design, including discharge channel design, magnetic circuit layout, anode and gas distribution, cathode coupling, and thermal management
- Experience planning and executing Hall thruster or EP test campaigns in vacuum facilities, including plasma/plume diagnostics, performance measurement, and long-duration life/wear testing
- Strong understanding of the failure and degradation mechanisms that drive Hall thruster life, including channel and pole erosion, thermal limits, and discharge instabilities, and how to design and test against them
- Working knowledge of spacecraft propulsion system architecture, propellant feed systems, PPU interaction, and range safety requirements (e.g., SSCMAN 91-710)
- Demonstrated technical leadership, including setting technical direction, driving complex design trades, and mentoring engineers
More about this role
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 seeking a Staff Electric Propulsion Engineer with deep expertise in Hall-effect thrusters to serve as the technical authority for our Hall thruster development and production. Building on Apex's in-house Hall-effect thruster capability, you will own the thruster from plasma physics and discharge channel design through...
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