Staff Materials Engineer (Inorganics)

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 Materials and Processes (M&P) Engineer who will serve as the company technical focal for metallic materials and associated manufacturing processes used on spacecraft, propulsion systems, mechanisms, structures, avionics hardware, and flight-support equipment essential for our satellite operations. The M&P engineer will define product requirements, inform material and design trades, perform analyses and testing on materials, drive test campaigns, and develop a materials database and usage list. You will validate decisions through prototypes and build and qualify flight hardware as we scale volume.

Responsibilities:

• Own material selection, qualification, process requirements, design guidance, supplier controls, and technical disposition for typical Aerospace metallics

• Establish and own internal materials and process specifications covering material procurement, heat treatment, welding, brazing, soldering where applicable to structural hardware, machining, forming, surface finishing, plating, passivation, anodizing, chemical conversion coatings, electroless nickel, hard coatings, painting interfaces, cleaning, stress relief, additive manufacturing, and inspection and acceptance

• Develop and maintain an Approved Metallic Materials and Processes List, including approved alloys, tempers, product forms, specifications, suppliers, processes, design limitations, and qualification status

• Support definition of engineering requirements to develop, select, or recommend parts, materials, processes, manufacturing technologies, machinery, tools, and automation systems used in product design and manufacturing in accordance with contractual and regulatory obligations

• Support engineering design reviews and participate in failure analyses for metallic parts and processes

• Assist in supplier qualification activities and respond to routine supplier technical inquiries. Escalate complex supplier or production issues to senior management

• Perform analyses to characterize performance or determine causes of tool, material, part, or process failures. Recommend corrective actions for senior review

• Coordinate and support lab activities (metallography, hardness, tensile, NDT/NDI) and compile test data for interpretation and disposition

• Use project management practices to meet cost, technical, and schedule requirements for assigned tasks

• Support creation and revision of material/process specifications, work instructions, and test plans

• Support investigations of non-conformances and supplier deviations

• Collect evidence, perform basic root-cause analysis, and draft corrective action recommendations

• Maintain engineering records (test reports, engineering orders) and support configuration control and design reviews as required

• Communicate technical findings clearly to cross-functional teams and stakeholders

Requirements:

• U.S. Persons status is required as this position requires access to export-controlled data

• Bachelor’s in mechanical, materials, physics, aerospace, or relevant engineering

• 10+ years of industry experience demonstrating a strong foundation in materials science and engineering principles

• Engineering experience with qualifying typical Aerospace metallics (e.g. aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, specialty aerospace alloys, castings, forgings, extrusions, sheet and plate, bar and tubing, and additively manufactured metallic hardware)

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

• Capable of managing multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Experience

• Master’s in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Polymers, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.

• Engineering experience with materials in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing development lifecycle

• Deep understanding of aluminums, composites, stainless steels, adhesives, and thermal materials

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as welding, heat treatment, and plating

• Knowledge of fracture mechanics, corrosion control, fluid compatibility, statistics, and failure analysis

#LI-HC1

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: Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

• Competitive 401(k) plan: 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: 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.