Solar Array Manufacturing Development 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 seeking a Solar Array Manufacturing Development Engineer to lead the development and scaling of manufacturing processes for spacecraft solar array assemblies.

This role will focus on establishing efficient, repeatable production processes for solar array hardware, from initial builds through full-rate manufacturing. You'll work directly with design engineering, technicians, and production leadership to develop tooling, optimize assembly methods, and improve manufacturing yield and throughput.

We're looking for an engineer who enjoys being on the production floor, solving hardware challenges, and building manufacturing capabilities from the ground up.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for spacecraft solar array assemblies and subassemblies.

• Support solar cell integration, stringing, interconnects, bonding, layup, and panel assembly processes.

• Own manufacturing process development from prototype builds through production ramp.

• Design and implement production tooling, assembly fixtures, and manufacturing equipment.

• Develop standardized work instructions, process specifications, and inspection procedures.

• Collaborate with design engineering to improve solar array manufacturability, reliability, and assembly efficiency.

• Identify and resolve production challenges related to bonding, electrical connections, materials, and mechanical integration.

• Develop process controls and quality verification methods to ensure consistent hardware performance.

• Support electrical, mechanical, and environmental testing of solar array assemblies.

• Drive improvements in manufacturing cycle time, first-pass yield, production capacity, and overall process reliability.

• Support production line layout, equipment selection, workflow optimization, and manufacturing readiness.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process development, or hardware production.

• Experience developing and improving manufacturing processes for complex electromechanical assemblies.

• Hands-on experience with assembly tooling, fixtures, manufacturing equipment, and production troubleshooting.

• Understanding of manufacturing process validation, quality control, and production documentation.

• Experience collaborating with design engineering and production teams to transition hardware into manufacturing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience manufacturing spacecraft solar arrays, photovoltaic modules, or similar high-reliability electrical assemblies.

• Familiarity with solar cell stringing, soldering, welding, bonding, encapsulation, and panel integration.

• Experience with composite structures, adhesives, precision bonding, or thin-film materials.

• Understanding of electrical testing, continuity testing,…