Q&A with Trung Nam Ha, HITL Engineer

Q: Why are you excited about space?

In the movie “A Million Miles Away,” Jose M. Hernandez’s journey from dreaming of being an astronaut to becoming the first migrant farm worker to make it to the International Space Station is a profound inspiration. His narrative deeply resonates with my journey. Growing up in Vietnam, I always had an aspiration for space. Three years ago, I took the plunge, leaving my comfort zone and a managerial role in Minnesota, and moved my family across the country to Southern California to be part of the space industry. Much like Hernandez, I embrace the challenges and am determined to pursue my childhood dream, contributing to the vast expanse of the human frontier.

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

Space is hard. Navigating the complexities of space, on both the technical and the business front, is a daunting task, especially for startups. The fact that the team has figured that out in the very first year is what draws me to Apex. After over a decade in diverse corporate settings, ranging from large-scale operations to more compact structures, I'm eager for a shift. Joining an early-stage startup like Apex presents a thrilling opportunity to amplify my impact. I look forward to spearheading the development of avionics system verification and HITL capabilities, contributing to the company's growth from the ground up.

Q: You are somewhat new here at Apex. What has surprised you the most so far?

The pace here is like a lightning bolt – move fast, break things, but we are all dedicated to fixing them. It’s a culture of making things happen, and the level of team dedication has blown me away. The commitment everyone brings to the table is not just a surprise; it’s the secret sauce that makes Apex a dynamic and exciting place to be. In “Good to Great” by Jim Collins, those who build great organizations make sure they have the right people on the bus and the right people in the key seats before they figure out where to drive the bus. I genuinely believe Apex has the “right people on the bus” to head out to our mission. For me, Apex is not just a workplace; it’s a journey with a purpose.

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

I'm all about the great outdoors—camping, hiking, and catching waves with my family and friends in the summer. Winter calls for hitting the slopes and shredding some powder. One of my favorite pastimes is taking Simba, my four-legged friend, to the dog beach for some sandy adventures. Whenever I manage to get away myself, you'll find me casting a line for fishing or heading out for a bit of hunting. It's all about embracing the elements and making the most of every moment.