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Apex manufactures satellite buses (spacecraft platforms) at scale for the commercial space industry. The company combines software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing to enable earth observation, communications, and other space-based applications.
You will develop, implement, and scale manufacturing processes for precision opto-mechanical spacecraft assemblies, bridging design engineering and production. You'll own hardware from initial prototypes through qualification and repeatable manufacturing at scale.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and implement manufacturing and assembly processes for precision opto-mechanical spacecraft hardware
- Own hardware builds from prototypes through production qualification and manufacturing ramp
- Design and develop assembly fixtures, alignment tooling, and test equipment for precision hardware integration
- Establish optical alignment, calibration, inspection, and verification procedures
- Partner with design engineering to improve manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and hardware reliability
- Develop detailed work instructions, manufacturing procedures, and inspection criteria
- Troubleshoot mechanical, optical, and electromechanical assembly issues during development and production
- Perform tolerance analysis and evaluate critical alignment, fit, and interface requirements
- Support environmental and functional testing, including vibration, thermal cycling, and optical performance verification
- Drive continuous improvements in manufacturing yield, assembly repeatability, quality, and throughput
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with precision mechanical assemblies, optical alignment, tooling development, and hardware integration. You'll work closely with engineering and production teams to establish robust build processes and troubleshoot complex assembly challenges.
Apex is a fast-growing startup that has raised over $500M in funding. The company offers equity, comprehensive healthcare (100% company-paid medical, dental, vision), 15-20+ days vacation plus 10 paid holidays, 401(k) matching, 8 weeks paid parental leave, catered lunch, and a collaborative office 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, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field
- 3+ years of experience in precision mechanical assembly, opto-mechanical integration, manufacturing engineering, or hardware development
- Experience developing assembly processes, tooling, and fixtures for complex hardware
- Proficiency with 3D CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, or Creo)
- Understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and precision measurement techniques
- Experience troubleshooting hardware and supporting hands-on assembly, integration, and testing
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with spacecraft optical payloads, sensors, cameras, laser systems, or precision optical instruments
- Knowledge of optical alignment techniques, metrology equipment, and calibration processes
- Experience with cleanroom assembly and contamination-sensitive hardware
- Familiarity with adhesives, bonding processes, precision fasteners, and thermal-mechanical interfaces
- Experience transitioning complex hardware from development into production
- Familiarity with environmental qualification testing for aerospace hardware
