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.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet. 

About the Role

We are seeking a highly driven Group Manager, Supplier Quality to lead and develop a team of supplier quality professionals within our Apex Supply Chain organization. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the ongoing performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of our supplier base.

As a core member of the Supply Chain leadership team, you will oversee a wide range of supplier quality operations—including supplier buyoffs, receiving inspection, root cause analysis, and quality resolution. Your leadership will directly impact our production line’s ability to maintain flow, quality, and cost-efficiency.

This position requires a blend of strategic thinking and operational excellence, along with a passion for building collaborative supplier relationships in a fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities:

· Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs) to drive supplier quality assurance and improvement efforts

· Own and execute the supplier quality strategy to support production rate increases, cost-reduction goals, and new product introductions

· Oversee supplier buyoffs, incoming inspection, and material review processes to ensure only conforming product reaches production

· Develop and maintain supplier quality metrics and dashboards; monitor trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives

· Lead supplier audits (on-site and remote), quality system assessments, and product qualification processes

· Partner with Engineering and Quality to support first article inspections (FAIs), PPAPs, and qualification of new suppliers and materials

· Drive structured root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes for supplier-related non-conformances

· Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues that impact delivery, performance, or compliance

· Manage supplier scorecards and lead regular supplier quality performance reviews

· Ensure supplier compliance with applicable industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) and regulatory requirements (e.g., ITAR, FAR)

· Serve as the voice of Supplier Quality in cross-functional meetings, providing insight into supplier readiness, risks, and opportunities

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field

· 10+ years of experience in Supply Chain or Supplier Quality

· 3+ years of leading teams in Supplier Quality

· Proven expertise in supplier quality management including RCCA, CAPA, Audits, & inspection

· Strong foundation in strategic sourcing, supplier development, and supplier performance improvement

· Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools

· Ability to operate with urgency, autonomy, and accountability in a fast-paced production environment

· Strong analytical and communication skills with a continuous improvement mindset

· Experience in supporting production ramp ups and new product launches

· Aerospace or Automotive experience

· Willingness to travel up to 25% to visit suppliers and support off-site operations

· Must be a U.S. Person (citizen or permanent resident) in accordance with ITAR regulations

Compensation

Salary Range: $175,000 - $205,000 per year, plus equity

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

Why Join Apex?

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup backed by $200M in Series C funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day