Q&A with Justin Bai, Senior Software Engineer

Meet Justin Bai, Senior Software Engineer at Apex!

Justin brings over a decade of experience as a software engineer across both hardware and software products, most recently spending over three years at Zoox, where he worked on a range of projects across their fleet of autonomous vehicles. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Harvey Mudd College and was one of Apex’s earliest ground software engineering hires.

As a Senior Software Engineer focused on ground software, Justin develops and maintains the systems used to command, control, and monitor satellites from ground stations. He tests and validates software to ensure reliability, security, and compatibility with spacecraft systems, collaborating with a wide range of engineering teams throughout integration, testing, and on-orbit operations.

Learn more about Justin below:

Q: What excites you the most about working at a company like Apex?

Is it cliché if I say the productized approach to satellite buses? I come from a background of cloud infrastructure and autonomous robotaxis after all... and in a reductionist sense, you get to be around fancy space gizmos!

Q: Why are you excited about space?

In short, you take fewer things for granted. My gaming rig has hardwired Ethernet, air cooling (no liquid), a case with rubberized feet, and a hook-in to a generally stable metropolitan power grid. The satellite, in a sense, does not.

Q: What’s something you learned in your most recent role that you’re bringing to Apex?

Watch people use your software periodically. It’s simple and surprisingly effective.

Q: How do you see the role of a Software Engineer at Apex, and how is it supporting the mass-manufacturing of Apex’s satellite platforms?

I was told that most customers want the software that comes with the bus so they can fly it out of the box.

On the ground side of things, we're supporting production, enabling development, and validating TM/TC to ensure the success of satellite missions for ourselves and our customers. There are also interesting opportunities to integrate directly with other teams when you focus on building robust and reliable libraries.

Q: What has surprised or impressed you the most so far during your time at Apex?

The caliber of the people and their passion for the mission. It's the reason I joined, and yet I continue to be impressed every day.

Q: Tell us a bit about what you do in your free time.

You might catch me gaming online, leisurely strolling through the trees, or giving the snobbiest opinion about a local restaurant.