Lead Spacecraft Manufacturing Engineer

Apex Technology, Inc.•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$140,000 - $185,000•Onsite

About The Position

Apex manufactures satellite buses at scale using software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. The Lead Spacecraft Manufacturing Engineer will lead and develop a team of manufacturing engineers while driving process excellence across critical production initiatives. The role balances strategic planning and technical direction with hands-on problem solving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The engineer will guide manufacturing processes for spacecraft from prototyping through production, collaborating across functions to ensure manufacturability, resolve issues, and support new product introductions. The role also provides technical guidance to production personnel and helps ensure safe manufacturing and integration practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, such as Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Electrical, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in aerospace or complex hardware manufacturing.
Demonstrated leadership fundamentals, including effective delegation, driving strategic initiatives from concept through execution, and fostering individual growth.
Proven record of implementing process improvements that produced measurable gains in quality, efficiency, or cost reduction.
Strong project management skills and ability to prioritize multiple concurrent initiatives.
Strong technical communication skills and ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
Experience leading root cause and corrective action investigations.
Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, hardware-intensive environments.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of technical leadership or team management experience.
People leadership skills, including talent development, performance management, team accountability, and maintaining morale.
Experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle manufacturing.
Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up from new product introduction to rate production.
Familiarity with AS9100 or other high-reliability aerospace quality systems.
Experience with MES, ERP, or MRP systems and digital production tracking.
Experience with lean manufacturing, value stream mapping, or process optimization.
Experience designing tooling and fixtures for aerospace assembly.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of spacecraft manufacturing engineers; manage project assignments, performance, and professional growth.
Design, validate, and optimize spacecraft manufacturing processes across all assembly levels, from prototyping through production, improving quality, cost, and schedule.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability, resolve manufacturing issues, and support new product introductions.
Provide hands-on technical leadership on manufacturing challenges, including tooling design, process qualifications, and production-floor troubleshooting.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and best practices during manufacturing and integration.
Stay current with advancements and best practices in aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and integration technologies.
Provide technical support and guidance to production personnel, resolving issues and providing training as needed.

Benefits

Equity in Apex.
Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
$100,000 life insurance at no cost.
Starting at 15 vacation days, increasing to 20 or more days annually.
10 paid holidays.
401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% and a 50% match on the next 2%.
8 weeks of paid parental leave.
Childcare reimbursement up to $350 per day for work-related travel.
Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks.
Office socials and community activities.
Tools and equipment for a productive desk setup.
In-person collaboration at the Playa Vista office, with flexibility to integrate work and life.
Stock options as long-term incentives for full-time hires.