Harness Design Engineer

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 a highly skilled and detail-oriented Avionics Harness Design Engineer to join our dynamic team developing cutting-edge space systems for both government and commercial customers. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and verifying electrical harnesses for spacecraft, satellites, rovers, and other aerospace applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in avionics and electrical harness design, with a focus on meeting rigorous spaceflight standards and ensuring system integrity in harsh space environments.

Responsibilities:

• Develop detailed designs for electrical harnesses, including wiring diagrams, schematics, and 3D routing models.
• Select suitable connectors, backshells, wires, and shielding materials specifically designed for space environments.
• Work closely with the systems and mechanical engineering teams to ensure harness designs meet system requirements and space system integration needs.
• Perform electrical analyses, including voltage drop, current derating, signal integrity, and thermal effects, to validate harness performance.
• Ensure that all designs comply with EMI/EMC requirements and meet spaceflight standards such as NASA, ESA, and other aerospace-specific requirements.
• Conduct thorough environmental assessments to ensure the electrical harnesses are suited for the extreme conditions of space, including thermal, radiation, and mechanical stresses.
• Develop comprehensive test plans and procedures for harness qualification, acceptance, and environmental testing.
• Collaborate with testing teams to validate harness designs under simulated space conditions, such as thermal vacuum, vibration, and radiation testing.
• Address any performance issues identified during testing and implement design improvements as necessary.
• Generate detailed design documentation, including Bill of Materials (BOMs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and manufacturing drawings.
• · Ensure all designs meet relevant aerospace standards and regulations, such as IPC/WHMA-A-620, SMC-S-020, and NASA-STD-8739.4.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for design iterations, compliance checks, and testing results.
• Work closely with systems engineers, mechanical engineers, integration teams, and manufacturing teams to ensure harness designs align with overall system goals and integration requirements.
• Support harness installation, integration, troubleshooting, and problem resolution during spacecraft assembly and testing phases.

Requirements:

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in electrical harness design for aerospace, space systems, or related industries.
• Strong understanding of electrical design principles, including grounding, shielding, power distribution, and signal integrity.
• Proficiency in using electrical CAD tools (e.g., Altium, Rapid Harness) and mechanical CAD tools (e.g., NX, PLM in Teamcenter).
• Experience with harness manufacturing processes, including vendor interaction, prototyping, and production support.
• Knowledge of spaceflight standards (e.g., NASA, ESA) and quality compliance requirements (e.g., IPC/WHMA-A-620, MIL-STD-810, SMC-S-020, and NASA-STD-8739.4).
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Salary Range: $125,000 - $165,000 a year

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

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: Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
• Competitive 401(k) plan: 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: 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

Additional Information:

Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full-time hires are also eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.

ITAR Requirements

Apex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S.

Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here.

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.