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.
About the RoleWe are seeking talented engineering students to work closely with Apex's Mission Integration team for an exciting internship opportunity. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about space systems, eager to understand how spacecraft, launch vehicles, and ground systems come together, and motivated to learn how real missions are designed, integrated, and flown.
As a Mission Integration Engineer Intern, you will support system-level mission planning and integration activities across active programs. You'll gain exposure to end-to-end mission architecture, customer requirements, and cross-functional engineering collaboration. This role offers a unique opportunity to approach complex mission challenges from a systems perspective, with a focus on reliability, performance, and mission success.
Internship Experience at ApexDuring the internship program at Apex, you'll gain hands-on experience and meaningful professional growth. You'll be assigned a mission-focused summer project that allows you to contribute directly to real spacecraft programs. Throughout the project, you'll work closely with a dedicated mentor from the Mission Integration team while participating in technical learning sessions designed to deepen your understanding of satellite systems, launch environments, and mission operations.
You'll also connect with fellow interns and Apex engineers through community events and team activities, making this a well-rounded experience designed to launch your career in aerospace systems engineering.
Mission Integration Engineering: Internship FocusMission Integration Engineer Interns will assist with system-level mission integration activities across spacecraft programs. Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting mission architecture definition across spacecraft, launch vehicle, and operations elements
- Assisting with mission analysis tasks such as orbital mechanics, deployment concepts, and trajectory trade studies
- Helping generate and maintain mission-specific technical budgets (mass, power, data, pointing, etc.)
- Supporting requirements analysis, verification, and validation activities
- Assisting in the development of technical documentation, interface definitions, and integration procedures
- Collaborating 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 emphasizes systems thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and clear technical communication.
Requirements- Graduating in Fall 2027 or Spring 2028
- 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
- Coursework or project experience related to orbital mechanics, space systems, or systems engineering preferred
- 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
CommitmentThis internship will begin in
March 2027 or June 2027 and offers both
full-time (40 hours/week) and
part-time (minimum 20 hours/week) options.
- Full-time interns should be available to pause or adjust academic commitments (such as taking a semester off or enrolling part-time) for the duration of the 10-12 week program
- Part-time interns must maintain consistent availability during standard business hours to collaborate with their teams
Compensation$45/hour
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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 RequirementsApex'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.
