Spacecraft Opto-Mechancial Manufacturing Engineer
About The Position
Apex is seeking an Opto-Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer to develop, implement, and scale manufacturing processes for precision opto-mechanical spacecraft assemblies. This role will bridge design engineering and production, taking hardware from initial development through qualification and repeatable manufacturing. The ideal candidate has experience with precision mechanical assemblies, optical alignment, tooling development, and hands-on hardware integration. You'll work closely with engineering and production teams to establish robust build processes, troubleshoot complex assembly challenges, and improve manufacturability as we scale.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a 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 such as 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.
Nice To Haves
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement manufacturing and assembly processes for precision opto-mechanical spacecraft hardware.
- Own hardware builds from initial prototypes through production qualification and manufacturing ramp.
- Design and develop assembly fixtures, alignment tooling, and test equipment to support 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.
Benefits
- Receive equity in Apex
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents
- $100k life insurance at no cost
- 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually
- 10 paid holidays
- Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
- 8 weeks paid parental leave
- Childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
- Daily catered lunch
- Unlimited snacks
- Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings
- Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
- Stock options
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
