Q&A with Naputt Areethamsirikul, HITL Engineer
Q: What excites you the most about working at a company like Apex?
As a young but rapidly growing company, Apex offers countless opportunities to help build a strong foundation and shape its future. I’m very excited to apply my experience in hardware-in-the-loop systems and simulation, and see the direct impact of my work. Being new to aerospace, I also value the chance to learn from such a talented and driven team at Apex—it's been an invaluable experience. The fast-paced, collaborative environment constantly challenges me to grow, and I’m thrilled to be part of a team that’s pushing the norm of the aerospace industry.
Q: Why are you excited about space?
If a satellite has a problem in orbit, you can’t just walk up to it and fix it. That’s what makes engineering for space so challenging. It demands integrity, strong technical skills, and great teamwork. These are what excites me the most. Taking on those challenges is what fuels my passion for engineering!But for me, space is more than just engineering. Every time I look up at the night sky—whether it’s the stars, the Milky Way, or the northern lights—I’m in awe of its vastness and humbled by how much we still don’t know. Despite that, humanity has found ways to send countless spacecrafts out there, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. That mix of relentless ambition and humbling curiosity is something I deeply connect with.
Q: You’re still relatively new to Apex. What has surprised you the most so far?
I still remember interviewing at the old office, and just a few months later, we now have a large factory with multiple clean rooms. What fascinates me most isn’t about the facility itself, but what its evolution represents—the hard work and collaboration that have driven our growth. Everyone at Apex is constantly stepping up, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another to achieve our common goal. Whether it’s troubleshooting issues, refining processes, or jumping in to assist across teams, there’s a strong sense of teamwork and collective drive. It’s very inspiring to see how everyone plays a role in pushing the company forward.
Q: Tell us a bit about what you do in your free time.
In my free time, you’ll often find me at a local park or by the beach. I enjoy staying active and taking in the outdoors, whether it’s a casual stroll, a hike, working out, or just soaking up the scenery. On weekends, I venture a little further out to explore new areas and discover hidden gems. Trying out several restaurants along the way has become a fun way to hit many birds in one stone. But since I’m still new to LA area, my list has only been growing!