Mechanical Design Engineer – Solar Array (Mid) at Apex

Los Angeles, California, United States

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$115,000 – $145,000Compensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, SpaceIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
3+ years of hands-on experience designing and qualifying mechanisms for space applications
Strong CAD proficiency (NX preferred)
Skilled in structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis methods and tools
Fluent in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and mechanical tolerancing practices
Familiarity with components commonly used in space mechanisms (e.g., motors, hinges, actuators, bearings, hold-down systems)
Understanding of electromechanical systems and motor control electronics
Experience with design-for-manufacturing (DFM/DFX) principles
Comfortable supporting environmental testing (vibe, shock, thermal, thermal-vacuum)
Excellent communication, organization, and technical presentation skills

Responsibilities

Own the mechanical design of solar array subassemblies and related deployment mechanisms
Drive system-level and component-level trade studies to identify optimal mechanical configurations
Build CAD models across the full design lifecycle – from concept to detailed, manufacturable parts
Perform engineering analyses, including structural, dynamic, and thermal simulations
Define detailed manufacturing requirements through part drawings and documentation
Create and maintain supporting documentation including BOMs (Bill of Materials), materials specs, and mass models
Contribute to test plans and verification strategies, and participate in qualification campaigns
Present designs and analysis at internal reviews and provide clear technical documentation

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

NXCADGD&TStructural AnalysisThermal AnalysisDynamic AnalysisDFMDFXEnvironmental TestingElectromechanical Systems

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for this Mechanical Design Engineer position?

The base salary range is $115,000 - $145,000 a year, excluding benefits.

Is this Mechanical Design Engineer role remote or office-based?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills are required for the Mechanical Design Engineer role?

Required skills include 3+ years of hands-on experience designing and qualifying space mechanisms, strong CAD proficiency (NX preferred), structural/thermal/dynamic analysis, GD&T fluency, and familiarity with space components like motors and actuators.

What is the company culture like at Apex?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for this Mechanical Design Engineer position?

A strong candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, has 3+ years designing space mechanisms, excels in CAD (NX), analysis, GD&T, and space components, and demonstrates excellent communication skills.

Apex

Manufactures customizable ESPA class satellites

About Apex

Apex Space manufactures ESPA class satellites, focusing on their flagship product, the Aries satellite bus, which is suitable for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and other missions. They cater to clients in the aerospace and defense sectors, providing customizable satellite solutions for applications like Earth observation and communications. Apex Space differentiates itself with guaranteed on-time delivery, high reliability, and transparent pricing. Their goal is to lead in spacecraft manufacturing by offering dependable satellite solutions for a variety of space missions.

Los Angeles, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2022Year Founded

$115.3MTotal Funding

SERIES_BCompany Stage

Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

51-200Employees