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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 development and scaling of manufacturing processes for spacecraft solar array assemblies. This role focuses on establishing efficient, repeatable production processes from initial prototype builds through full-rate manufacturing. You'll work directly with design engineering, technicians, and production leadership to develop tooling, optimize assembly methods, and improve manufacturing yield and throughput.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for spacecraft solar array assemblies and subassemblies
- Support solar cell integration, stringing, interconnects, bonding, layup, and panel assembly processes
- Own manufacturing process development from prototype through production ramp
- Design and implement production tooling, assembly fixtures, and manufacturing equipment
- Develop standardized work instructions, process specifications, and inspection procedures
- Collaborate with design engineering to improve manufacturability, reliability, and assembly efficiency
- Identify and resolve production challenges related to bonding, electrical connections, materials, and mechanical integration
- Develop process controls and quality verification methods for consistent hardware performance
- Support electrical, mechanical, and environmental testing of solar array assemblies
- Drive improvements in manufacturing cycle time, first-pass yield, production capacity, and process reliability
- Support production line layout, equipment selection, workflow optimization, and manufacturing readiness
Apex is a fast-growing startup that has raised over $500M in funding. The company offers equity participation, comprehensive healthcare (100% company-paid medical, dental, vision), 15-20+ days vacation plus 10 paid holidays, 401(k) matching (100% on first 3%, 50% on next 2%), 8 weeks paid parental leave, daily catered lunch, and a collaborative office environment in Playa Vista.
Note: This role requires ITAR compliance. Applicants must either be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) or be able to obtain required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
- 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process development, or hardware production
- Experience developing and improving manufacturing processes for complex electromechanical assemblies
- Hands-on experience with assembly tooling, fixtures, manufacturing equipment, and production troubleshooting
- Understanding of manufacturing process validation, quality control, and production documentation
- Experience collaborating with design engineering and production teams to transition hardware into manufacturing
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience manufacturing spacecraft solar arrays, photovoltaic modules, or similar high-reliability electrical assemblies
- Familiarity with solar cell stringing, soldering, welding, bonding, encapsulation, and panel integration
- Experience with composite structures, adhesives, precision bonding, or thin-film materials
- Understanding of electrical testing, continuity testing, insulation resistance, and solar array performance verification
- Experience developing new production lines or scaling manufacturing capacity
- Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing standards, workmanship requirements, and environmental qualification testing
- Experience implementing automation or semi-automated manufacturing processes
