Spacecraft Build Engineer

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

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.

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

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 (Solid Works, 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

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

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.

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…