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Job Description
Here is a detailed, enriched job description for the Mission Integration Engineer Intern role at Apex:
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## Mission Integration Engineer Internship
About Apex
Apex is addressing the most pressing unmet need in the aerospace industry: the demand for commercial spacecraft platforms, also known as satellite buses. With the rise of launch vehicles and decreasing costs to orbit, an influx of payload companies has created a massive need for these platforms.
Apex manufactures these critical satellite buses at scale, leveraging a unique combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft are fundamental to enabling the future of society, supporting diverse applications from earth observation to advanced communications. Join us on our mission to provide humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.
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About The Role: Mission Integration Engineer Intern
We are actively seeking talented engineering students for an exciting internship opportunity to work closely with Apex’s Mission Integration team. This role is perfectly suited for individuals with a strong passion for space systems, who are eager to comprehend the intricate interplay between spacecraft, launch vehicles, and ground systems, and are motivated to learn the practicalities of how real missions are designed, integrated, and ultimately flown.
As a Mission Integration Engineer Intern, you will play a crucial supporting role in system-level mission planning and integration activities across active programs. This internship offers invaluable exposure to:
• End-to-end mission architecture
• Customer requirements
• Cross-functional engineering collaboration
You will gain a unique opportunity to approach complex mission challenges from a holistic systems perspective, with an unwavering focus on ensuring reliability, performance, and overall mission success.
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Internship Experience at Apex
Our internship program is meticulously designed to provide you with hands-on experience and foster meaningful professional growth. Key highlights of your experience will include:
• Mission-Focused Summer Project: You will be assigned a dedicated project that allows you to contribute directly to real spacecraft programs.
• Dedicated Mentorship: Throughout your project, you will work closely with a dedicated mentor from the Mission Integration team.
• Technical Learning Sessions: Participate in specialized sessions designed to deepen your understanding of satellite systems, launch environments, and mission operations.
• Community & Networking: Connect with fellow interns and experienced Apex engineers through engaging community events and team activities, making this a well-rounded experience aimed at launching your career in aerospace systems engineering.
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Mission Integration Engineering: Internship Focus & Responsibilities
Mission Integration Engineer Interns will provide essential support for system-level mission integration activities across various spacecraft programs. Responsibilities may include:
• Supporting mission architecture definition across spacecraft, launch vehicle, and operations elements.
• Assisting with mission analysis tasks, including orbital mechanics, deployment concepts, and trajectory trade studies.
• Helping to generate and maintain mission-specific technical budgets (e.g., mass, power, data, pointing).
• Supporting requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities.
• Assisting in the development of technical documentation, interface definitions, and integration procedures.
• Collaborating proactively with mechanical, electrical, software, and operations teams to ensure system compatibility.
• Participating in internal design reviews, customer meetings, and technical discussions.
• Learning how technical risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated at the system level.
This role heavily emphasizes systems thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and clear technical communication.
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Requirements
To be considered for this internship, candidates should meet the following criteria:
• Graduating in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.
• Pursuing a BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong interest in spacecraft systems, mission design, and space operations.
• Preferred: Coursework or project experience related to orbital mechanics, space systems, or systems engineering.
• Familiarity with tools such as Python, MATLAB, STK, GMAT, or similar analysis tools is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and work effectively in a team environment.
• U.S. Person status required due to access to export-controlled data.
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Commitment
This internship offers flexibility with start dates and hours:
• Start Date: March 2026 or June 2026.
• Options:
• Full-time (40 hours/week): Typically a 10–12 week program. Interns should be available to pause or adjust academic commitments (e.g., taking a semester off or enrolling part-time).
• Part-time (minimum 20 hours/week): Interns must maintain consistent availability during standard business hours to collaborate with their teams.
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Compensation
• $45/hour
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Why Join Apex?
Apex is committed to fostering a work environment that our employees eagerly embrace every day. We are a fast-growing startup backed by $200M in Series D funding, and we deeply invest in our people from day one.
Please Note: The following benefits are primarily offered to full-time employees, demonstrating our commitment to long-term team members. While interns gain valuable experience and compensation, these specific benefits illustrate the robust package for those who join us permanently.
What We Offer For Full-time Employees:
• Shared Upside: Receive equity in Apex, allowing you to directly 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 the first 3%, 50% on the next 2%).
• Parental Leave: 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel.
• Daily Perks: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.
• Vibrant Community: Monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social gatherings for you and your family.
• Optimal Work Environment: Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self.
• World-Class Office: Located in Playa Vista with EV chargers, offering the benefits 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.
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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.