Spacecraft Environmental Test Technician

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 seeking an Environmental Test Technician to support qualification and acceptance testing of spacecraft flight hardware. In this role, you will work directly with Test, Mechanical, Electrical, and Integration Engineers to validate spacecraft performance in simulated launch and space environments. You will be responsible for setting up, executing, and maintaining environmental test campaigns including thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, vibration, and shock testing. The ideal candidate is highly hands-on, mechanically inclined, adaptable, and thrives in a fast-paced hardware development environment.

Responsibilities:

• Assemble, instrument, and test spacecraft flight hardware throughout development, qualification, and production test campaigns.

• Set up, operate, monitor, and maintain environmental test equipment including thermal vacuum chambers, thermal chambers, vibration systems, shock equipment, and supporting infrastructure.

• Install, troubleshoot, and maintain instrumentation including thermocouples, accelerometers, strain gauges, pressure transducers, and associated harnessing.

• Support spacecraft integration, activation, and functional testing before, during, and after environmental test campaigns.

• Monitor test article and facility performance, identify anomalies, and support troubleshooting and root cause investigations.

• Collaborate closely with engineers to develop, improve, and execute test procedures, tooling, fixtures, and test infrastructure.

• Support the build, activation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of test racks, data acquisition systems, and automated test equipment.

• Perform mechanical assembly, disassembly, and rework activities on spacecraft hardware and test systems.

• Maintain accurate documentation of test configurations, procedures, results, discrepancies, and hardware status.

• Ensure compliance with quality standards, contamination control requirements, and safety protocols throughout all testing activities.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that increase test throughput, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Requirements:

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

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 3+ years of hands-on experience working with aerospace, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, automotive, or test systems.

• Experience operating, maintaining, or supporting environmental test equipment, laboratory equipment, or production test systems.

• Experience using electronic test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, or data acquisition systems.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, procedures, and technical documentation.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.

• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering and production team.

Preferred:

• Experience supporting spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, aviation, defense, or other high-reliability hardware programs.

• Familiarity with thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycling, vibration, shock, acoustic, HALT, or HASS testing.

• Experience installing and troubleshooting instrumentation including thermocouples, accelerometers, strain gauges, and pressure transducers.

• Experience fabricating and repairing cable harnesses, including crimping, soldering, and connector assembly.

• Familiarity with IPC-620, J-STD-001, NASA-STD-8739, or equivalent aerospace workmanship standards.

• Experience working in cleanroom environments and following contamination control requirements.

• Experience operating cranes, lifts, rigging equipment, or supporting large hardware moves.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing execution systems (MES), ERP systems, or related production software.

• Experience working in a fast-paced development or production environment with aggressive schedules.

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 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 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 and 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

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.

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.