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 Space is seeking a skilled and experienced s Director of Mechanical Engineering, you will lead and grow a multidisciplinary team responsible for all satellite mechanical design and development. You’ll set the vision and strategy for Apex’s mechanical hardware, drive execution on flight-critical designs, and foster a culture of innovation, quality, and accountability. You will work cross-functionally to translate system-level requirements into practical, manufacturable mechanical solutions. From early-stage architecture down to hardware implementation and test, you’ll ensure our satellites are built to perform and scale.

Responsibilities:

• Manage a team of mechanical engineers to rapidly design, develop and test highly reliable, high-rate manufacturable mechanical, thermal, and elecromechanical systems

• Drive development from concept through design, analysis, manufacturing, integration, and test structural design, mechanisms, thermal interfaces, and system integration

• Partner with engineering leadership as well as supply chain and production to deliver on vehicle cost, mass, reliability, and production rate targets

• Provide technical direction and mentoring for a growing team of mechanical engineers

• Collaborate with systems engineering, avionics, propulsion, and operations teams to ensure seamless vehicle integration

• Guide design reviews, configuration control, and design-to-manufacture decisions

• Establish and maintain engineering standards, best practices, and product lifecycle processes

• Partner with leadership to define long-term satellite mechanical architecture and technical roadmaps

• Represent the team in program reviews, customer meetings, and internal planning efforts

Requirements:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline

• 10+ years of relevant industry experience

• 5+ years of engineering leadership experience, with a track record of managing and developing high-performing teams

• Proven track record of owning mechanical subsystems through flight or production

• Expertise in designing complex mechanical systems in CAD (preferably Siemens NX) and managing large assemblies

• Deep understanding of structural and thermal design, mechanism development, GD&T, and DFM/DFA principles

• Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up, integration, and environmental testing

• Experience managing engineering documentation, configuration control, and change processes

• Experience with spacecraft or satellite development programs

• Familiarity with rapid development cycles and new product introduction (NPI)

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 backed by $200M in Series C funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

What We Offer:

• 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 to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

• Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%

• 8 weeks paid parental leave<