# Staff Electric Propulsion Engineer, Hall-Effect Thrusters 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/6cb3f933-d9f6-4602-931c-279288c258a6
- Page: https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/apex-space-staff-electric-propulsion-engineer-hall-effect-thrusters/

## 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

Tags: Engineering