Spacecraft Opto-Mechancial Manufacturing 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. About the Role 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.

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.

Basic Qualifications:

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, Solid Works, or Creo.

Understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and precision measurement techniques.

Experience troubleshooting hardware and supporting hands-on assembly, integration, and testing.

Preferred Qualifications:

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.

Why Join Apex?

Apex…