Spacecraft Build Engineer
Role Overview
Apex is looking for a Spacecraft Build Engineer to develop and scale the manufacturing processes, tooling, and production systems that enable high-rate spacecraft builds. This role sits at the intersection of design and production, with ownership over how hardware is built, integrated, and transitioned into production. You’ll work across propulsion, avionics, and structural systems to drive manufacturability, yield, and rate.
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
About the Role
Apex is looking for a Spacecraft Build Engineer to develop and scale the manufacturing processes, tooling, and production systems that enable high-rate spacecraft builds. This role sits at the intersection of design and production, with ownership over how hardware is built, integrated, and transitioned into production. You’ll work across propulsion, avionics, and structural systems to drive manufacturability, yield, and rate.
Responsibilities:
- Own the development and qualification of manufacturing processes for spacecraft components and assemblies
- Design and implement precision tooling and fixtures to improve quality, repeatability, and cycle time
- Drive high-rate production by optimizing processes, reducing takt time, and increasing throughput
- Develop and automate manufacturing and inspection processes to improve yield and consistency
- Lead the transition of hardware from development into production environments
- Partner closely with design engineering to drive design for manufacturability (DFM) and influence vehicle architecture
- Troubleshoot manufacturing and integration issues, performing root cause analysis and driving corrective actions
- Simplify requirements and processes to reduce complexity, cost, and build time
- Support production scaling, factory layout, and manufacturing system development
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, materials, or related engineering field
- 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, production, or process engineering for complex hardware systems
- Experience with manufacturing process development and high-rate production environments
- Strong understanding of manufacturing techniques (welding, machining, forming, fastening, bonding, etc.)
- Experience with tooling and fixture design using CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar)
- Experience with design for manufacturability (DFM/DFMA)
- Hands-on experience with assembly, integration, or testing of mechanical or aerospace systems
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve production issues in fast-paced environments
- Strong ownership mindset with ability to drive cross-functional execution
- Nice to have:
- Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or related field
- Experience with high-rate or mixed-product manufacturing lines
- Experience with weld process development and inspection (including automation)
- Experience with propulsion, avionics, or structural system integration and testing
- Experience with process automation, robotics, or controls
- Experience using data systems (SQL or similar) to track performance and drive improvements
- Experience with failure analysis, PFMEA, or production system optimization
- Hands-on experience working directly with technicians on hardware builds
- #LI-MO1
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 that has raised more than $500M in 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-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference
Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
About Apex
Apex designs and manufactures productized satellite buses at scale, enabling faster and more affordable access to space for commercial and government customers.
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