Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer
Join Apex as a Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer to validate flight hardware through multidisciplinary structural and mechanical testing.
Posted by employer 2 months ago
First seen on Joblaze 1 month ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago
Skills & Technologies
Requirements
- Experience
- 3+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
Not disclosed in this posting: compensation, visa sponsorship.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
The Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer at Apex Space is responsible for validating flight hardware through comprehensive structural and mechanical testing, collaborating closely with various teams to establish testing strategies and infrastructure. This role requires expertise in structural mechanics, hands-on experience with instrumentation, and proficiency in test automation, particularly using Python. Ideal candidates have a background in aerospace or mechanical engineering with at least three years of relevant experience, making it suitable for mid-level professionals looking to impact the rapidly evolving aerospace sector.
Joblaze insights
- Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Apex Space's careers page October 31, 2026.
- Python appears in 15.8% of 4991 comparable mid other roles; mechanical testing appears in 0.1% of 4991 comparable mid other roles.
Quick facts
- Is the Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in Los Angeles.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 3 years of relevant experience for this Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer role.
- Where is the role based?
- Apex Space is hiring for this position in Los Angeles.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Instrumentation, Python, data acquisition, electrical validation, mechanical testing, structural testing.
- What seniority level is this role?
- Apex Space targets mid-level candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer role at Apex Space.
From the original posting
About the Role
Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer
Apex is looking for a Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer to own the validation of flight hardware from first build through system level testing. This is a highly multidisciplinary role focused on structural and mechanical testing, with strong crossover into electrical and system-level validation. You’ll work across mechanical, avionics, and production teams to define how we test, build the infrastructure to do it, and execute campaigns that prove our spacecraft in real environments.
Responsibilities:
Own structural test strategy and execution across components, subsystems, and fully integrated spacecraft
Develop and operate fluid, hydraulic, and pressurized systems, including high-pressure and cryogenic environments
Design and integrate data acquisition and instrumentation (strain gauges, load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples)
Write and automate test procedures and scripts (primarily Python) for execution and data analysis
Lead test operations end-to-end, including setup, execution, and post-test review
Troubleshoot hardware and drive root cause analysis on structural test failures
Partner cross-functionally with design, analysis, avionics, and manufacturing to close the loop between test results and design
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field
3+ years of experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or complex structural testing
Background designing large-scale structural test stands or load application systems
Strong fundamentals in structural mechanics, including strength, stability, and fatigue
Experience with structural analysis (hand calcs and/or FEM) and test correlation
Hands-on experience with instrumentation and lab equipment (strain, load, pressure, thermal measurements)
Experience designing, building, or operating structural test systems and hardware
Experience with test automation and scripting (Python or similar)
Ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership environments with evolving requirements
Nice To Haves:
Experience with environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC)
Familiarity with NX/Teamcenter, Nastran, or ANSYS
Experience working with high-pressure or cryogenic systems
#LI-MO1
What We Offer For Full-time Employees:
Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
Standard company text repeated across Apex Space's postings is omitted here.