Spacecraft Systems Engineer

SquarePeg

SquarePeg

Software Engineering
United States
Posted on Aug 25, 2024

Location: Los Angeles, CA (Relocation offered)

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 as 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.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and develop system architectures for satellite missions.
  • Analyze and allocate requirements to subsystems, ensuring coherence and traceability throughout the design process.
  • Perform system-level trade-off studies to optimize performance, reliability, and cost.
  • Develop and maintain system-level documentation, including specifications, interface control documents, and system design descriptions.
  • Coordinate the integration of various subsystems, ensuring compliance with system requirements and interfaces.
  • Plan and oversee system-level testing, including functional, performance, and environmental tests.
  • Analyze test data and identify and resolve any anomalies or issues that arise during integration and testing.
  • Collaborate with the test and verification team to ensure proper verification and validation of system requirements.
  • Define, document, and manage system requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Conduct requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities to ensure compliance with customer needs and industry standards.
  • Track and report on requirement changes, risks, and mitigation strategies.
  • Facilitate customer and stakeholder engagement to capture and understand their needs and expectations.
  • Identify and assess technical risks associated with system design, development, and operation.
  • Develop risk mitigation plans and monitor their implementation.
  • Perform system-level failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and support reliability engineering efforts.
  • Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers, to ensure system integration and performance.
  • Communicate technical concepts, requirements, and issues clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and project status updates.

Requirements:

  • U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
  • 6+ years of experience in systems engineering, preferably in the aerospace or satellite industry.
  • Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles, processes, and methodologies.
  • Familiarity with satellite systems, subsystems, and their interdependencies.
  • Proficiency in requirements management tools and systems engineering software (e.g., Jira, Excel, SysML).
  • Experience with system-level integration, testing, and verification processes.
  • Knowledge of industry standards and best practices, such as INCOSE standards and NASA systems engineering guidelines.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet project deadlines.

Benefits

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 offer the following benefits:

  • Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.
  • Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. The primary's premium is 99%+ covered.
  • Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package, fostering employee well-being.
  • Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.
  • Paternity/maternity leave.
  • Daily lunch, unlimited snacks, and regular office BBQs!
  • Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.
  • A world class office located in Culver City, filled with amazing coworkers and social gatherings for you and your family.