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

We’re looking for an Avionics Test Engineer, Software to join our growing Test team. In this role, you’ll focus on developing automated test infrastructure, scripting, and validation tooling for spacecraft electronics, embedded systems, and integrated avionics platforms. You’ll work closely with electrical, software, RF, and systems engineers to validate flight hardware, expand regression test coverage, and support spacecraft integration and environmental test campaigns. This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy building scalable test systems, automating hardware validation, and debugging complex integrated systems.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute automated test procedures for avionics subsystems and embedded hardware

• Create Python-based tooling for:

  • Automated test execution

  • Regression testing

  • Telemetry monitoring

  • Data parsing and analysis

  • Hardware control and instrumentation interfaces

• Expand automated regression test coverage for new flight software releases

• Develop and maintain flatsat and communications rack automation infrastructure

• Interface with RF and avionics hardware including:

  • Oscilloscopes

  • Power supplies

  • DAQ systems

  • VNAs

  • Vector signal analyzers/generators

  • SDR and USRP-based systems

• Support validation of:

  • Radios and transceivers

  • GNSS systems

  • RF switches

  • DVB-S2 and OFDM communication systems

• Analyze system performance metrics including:

  • SNR

  • BER

  • EVM

  • PLL behavior

  • Link margin and insertion loss

• Support environmental and qualification test campaigns including:

  • EMI/EMC

  • Vibration

  • Thermal cycling

  • TVAC

• Troubleshoot integrated hardware/software issues on flight and flatsat hardware

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on design-for-test and system integration initiatives

• Author and maintain Design Verification Plans (DVPs), automated test procedures, and test reports

• Work within Linux-based development and test environments using Git-based workflows

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related field

• 3+ years of professional experience in aerospace, embedded systems, or electronics testing

• Strong Python scripting and test automation experience

• Experience working with laboratory instrumentation and automated test systems

• Familiarity with avionics hardware and embedded communication protocols:

  • UART

  • SPI

  • CAN

  • I2C

• Experience using Linux development environments and version control tools such as GitHub

• Strong debugging, analytical, and communication skills

• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder) in accordance with ITAR requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience automating RF or communications system testing

• Familiarity with SDRs, USRP systems, and software-defined ground systems

• Experience with spacecraft, launch vehicle, or flight electronics integration

• Familiarity with digital modulation techniques and RF system analysis

• Exposure to environmental test campaigns and spacecraft qualification testing

• Experience developing scalable automated validation infrastructure

• Familiarity with link budgets