Ground Software Engineer (Mid)

About the position

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. As a key member of the Ground Software team, you will design, develop, and own the software infrastructure that enables communication and control of on-orbit assets. You will be responsible for building critical systems that operate reliably 24/7, ensuring that users can seamlessly automate and control Apex Satellite buses. In this role, you will work closely with both internal teams and external customers, aligning your solutions with company objectives and user requirements. We are looking for motivated engineers who are eager to solve complex problems with a focus on practicality and scalability, and who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement ground software for satellite communication, control, and telemetry.
• Support commissioning of spacecraft during launch and early operations and ensure ground systems remain functional during critical operations.
• Own ground software solutions through the full lifecycle from initial design to deployment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to baseline product requirements and technical roadmaps.
• Integrate third-party tools and custom software to automate satellite operations, tracking, and data processing.
• Monitor and improve system scalability, redundancy, and failover strategies for ground software and systems.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
• 3+ years of total ground software experience.
• Bachelor's degree in CS, EE or equivalent.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and Rust.
• Familiarity with microservices frameworks and tools and cloud-based solutions (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, gRPC).
• Knowledge of Linux operating systems and system administration.
• Experience with software integration, testing, and validation for real-time and distributed systems.
• Familiarity with network protocols (TCP/IP, UDP), secure communication systems, and encryption.

Benefits

• Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.
• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision plans. The primary and dependents' premium is 99%+ covered.
• Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package, to reset and recharge.
• Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.
• Paid parental leave.
• Daily lunch and unlimited snacks!
• Community events like monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club and more!
• Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.
• A world class office located in Playa Vista, filled with amazing coworkers and social gatherings for you and your family.
• An opportunity to make a real impact in the aerospace industry.