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Apex manufactures satellite buses (spacecraft platforms) at scale for commercial space applications. The company combines software, vertical integration, and hardware design to enable payloads ranging from earth observation to communications.
You will lead the assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft solar arrays in a highly hands-on role. This position bridges technical execution and team leadership, requiring you to mentor and coordinate a solar production team while maintaining direct involvement in build activities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading day-to-day assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft solar arrays
- Mentoring and training technicians; coordinating build priorities, task assignments, and progress tracking
- Performing and overseeing solar array assembly (mechanical fastening, bonding, composites, wiring, harnessing, precision alignment)
- Supporting integration of solar cells, electrical systems, composite structures, and deployment hardware
- Conducting and overseeing electrical and functional testing, including continuity checks and troubleshooting
- Supporting environmental and deployment testing of flight hardware
- Leading troubleshooting and root-cause analysis with engineering and quality teams
- Identifying and escalating build issues, nonconformances, and production blockers
- Ensuring builds meet engineering drawings, work instructions, quality standards, and safety requirements
- Maintaining accurate build documentation, inspection records, and test results
- Partnering with engineering to improve tooling, fixtures, processes, and work instructions
- Driving continuous improvement in production efficiency, quality, and repeatability as production scales
Apex is a fast-growing, well-funded startup ($500M+ raised) with a collaborative culture. The role is based at their Playa Vista office with emphasis on in-person collaboration.
Requirements:
- U.S. Person status required
- 5+ years of experience in aerospace, spacecraft, solar, electronics, composites, or high-reliability hardware manufacturing
- Experience leading, training, or mentoring technicians
- Strong hands-on electrical and mechanical assembly experience (wiring, harnessing, bonding, precision assembly)
- Experience with composites, solar arrays, deployable hardware, or spacecraft power systems (preferred)
- Strong electrical troubleshooting skills and experience with electrical test equipment
- Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and commitment to safety and quality
