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. Apex is seeking a highly detail oriented PCB Designer who will also serve as the Altium Librarian, responsible for both high quality PCB layout and the integrity of our electronic component library. This role is critical to ensuring design consistency, manufacturability, and configuration control across all avionics hardware programs. The ideal candidate combines strong layout skills with a disciplined approach to library management, part creation, and data governance within a controlled engineering environment.
Responsibilities:
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- Perform schematic capture support and PCB layout for complex, high-reliability electronics (multilayer, high-speed, mixed-signal, and power designs)
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- Execute constraint-driven layout including impedance control, differential routing (e.g., Ethernet), and power integrity considerations
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- Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and thermal engineers to ensure design integration
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- Generate and review fabrication and assembly drawings, stackups, and design notes
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- Support DFM/DFA reviews with fabrication and assembly vendors
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- Iterate designs based on prototype feedback, test results, and manufacturing input
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- Own and maintain the Altium component library as the single source of truth for all PCB designs
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- Create and manage symbols, footprints, and 3D models with strict adherence to internal standards
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- Ensure all components are linked to approved part numbers in PLM (e.g., Teamcenter)
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Define and enforce library standards (naming conventions, parameter sets, lifecycle states, revision control)
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- Perform library QA to ensure accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance with standards (IPC, NASA, internal)
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- Support engineers in proper part selection and usage of library components
Requirements:
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- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
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- 5+ years of experience in PCB design and layout
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- Strong proficiency with Altium Designer
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- Demonstrated experience managing or contributing to a component library
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- Solid understanding of: Multilayer PCB stackups and materials
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- High-speed design principles (signal integrity, controlled impedance)
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- Power distribution and grounding strategies
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- Experience working with fabrication and assembly vendors
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- Experience in aerospace, space, or other high-reliability industries
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- Familiarity with IPC standards (IPC-2221, IPC-7351, IPC-A-610 Class 3)
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- Experience with PLM systems such as Teamcenter
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- Knowledge of configuration management and release workflows