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

As the Lead Spacecraft Manufacturing Engineer, you will lead and develop a team of manufacturing engineers while driving process excellence across critical production initiatives. You'll be responsible for mentoring your team and setting technical direction, balancing strategic planning with hands-on problem solving. We're looking for motivated engineers who are eager to solve complex problems with a focus on practicality and scalability, and who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of spacecraft manufacturing engineers while managing project assignments, performance, and professional growth

• Lead initiatives to design, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes for spacecraft on all levels of assembly, from prototyping through production, driving improvements in quality, cost, and schedule

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability, resolve manufacturing issues, and support new product introductions

• Provide hands-on technical leadership on critical manufacturing challenges including tooling design, process qualifications, and production floor troubleshooting

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and best practices throughout the manufacturing and integration processes

• Stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices in aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and integration technologies

• Provide technical support and guidance to production personnel, resolving technical issues and providing training as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Electrical, or related field)

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace or complex hardware manufacturing

• Strong leadership fundamentals demonstrated via proven ability to delegate effectively, drive strategic initiatives from concept to execution, and foster individual growth.

• Proven track record of implementing process improvements that resulted in measurable gains in quality, efficiency, or cost reduction

• Excellent project management skills with ability to prioritize multiple concurrent initiatives

• Strong technical communication skills with ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders

• Demonstrated experience leading root cause and corrective action investigations

• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, hardware-intensive environments

Preferred Requirements

• 1+ years of technical leadership or team management experience

• Strong people leadership skills including talent development, performance management, and ability to drive team accountability while maintaining morale

• Experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle manufacturing

• Experience in supporting the scaling of manufacturing operations from new product introduction to rate production

• Familiarity with AS9100 or other high-reliability aerospace quality systems

• Experience with MES/ERP/MRP systems and digital production tracking

• Lean manufacturing, value stream mapping, or process optimization experience

• Tooling and fixture design for aerospace assembly

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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 D funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

What We Offer For Full-time Employees:

• Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create

• Best-in-cla