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Apex manufactures satellite buses (commercial spacecraft platforms) at scale, combining software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. These platforms enable earth observation, communications, and other critical space applications.
You will join as a Spacecraft Quality Engineer responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality throughout the lifecycle of spacecraft hardware components—from initial design and prototyping through final production and delivery.
Key responsibilities include:
• Ensure all spacecraft hardware components meet or exceed quality standards through rigorous testing, inspection, and validation process adherence.
• Lead the development and execution of QMS manuals, processes, inspection instructions, and forms for hardware components and subsystems.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to identify and mitigate potential quality issues during the DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) phase.
• Support the development of engineering specifications and ensure alignment between design goals and quality standards.
• Work cross-functionally to define, address, and mitigate quality issues from production and testing phases through delivery.
• Partner with leadership to develop quality metrics, Pareto charts, and related tracking methods.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in hardware manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and operational procedures.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation, including test plans, inspection reports, failure analysis reports, and quality audits.
• Ensure proper risk management and compliance with industry standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and other applicable space industry certifications.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with supplier performance and supply chain disruptions by partnering with supply chain leadership and providing objective evidence of supplier-caused rework, repair, and downtime.
• Lead broad CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) and specific RCCA (Root Cause and Corrective Action) efforts involving multidisciplinary teams using 8D, DMAIC, and other quality engineering tools as necessary.
Apex is a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding. The company offers equity, comprehensive healthcare (100% company-paid medical, dental, vision), 15+ days vacation growing to 20+ days annually, 10 paid holidays, 401(k) matching (100% on first 3%, 50% on next 2%), 8 weeks paid parental leave, catered lunch, and a collaborative office environment in Playa Vista.
REQUIREMENTS:
• U.S. Person status required (position requires access to export-controlled data).
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or related field).
• 5+ years of experience in supplier development, quality assurance, or supply chain management.
• Proven experience with supplier evaluation, audits, and performance management.
• Knowledge of quality systems and standards (ISO 9001, AS9100).
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical process control (SPC).
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• ASQ CQE/CSQP Certification preferred.
• Working knowledge of Lean Methodology preferred.
