Director, Supplier Quality

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 a Director, Supplier Quality to lead the supplier quality organization within our Supply Chain team. This is a senior leadership role responsible for the quality, reliability, and continuous improvement of our supplier base as we scale production.

As a member of the Supply Chain leadership team, you will set the supplier quality strategy and lead the teams that carry it out, including supplier buyoffs, receiving inspection, root cause analysis, and quality resolution. Your leadership will directly impact our production line's ability to maintain flow, quality, and cost-efficiency.

This role needs both strategic thinking and operational discipline, along with a commitment to building strong supplier relationships in a fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities Lead and develop the supplier quality organization, including managers, leads, and Supplier Quality Engineers, and build the team structure and hiring plan needed to support growth.

Set the supplier quality strategy and own the results, supporting production rate increases, cost-reduction goals, and new product introductions.

Own supplier buyoff, incoming inspection, and material review processes to ensure only conforming product reaches production.

Define supplier quality metrics, dashboards, and goals for the organization, and drive continuous improvement based on the trends.

Own the supplier audit and qualification program, including quality system assessments and product qualification.

Set the approach for first article inspections, PPAPs, and qualification of new suppliers and materials, in partnership with Engineering and Quality.

Hold the organization accountable for structured root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action on supplier-related non-conformances, and lead escalations on critical or recurring issues.

Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Production, and Program leadership to resolve quality issues that impact delivery, performance, or compliance.

Lead supplier performance management, including scorecards and regular performance reviews with supplier leadership, and drive improvement plans with underperforming suppliers.

Work with Sourcing on supplier selection and development, and on decisions to expand, reduce, or exit a supplier.

Ensure supplier compliance with applicable industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) and regulatory requirements (e.g., ITAR, FAR).Manage the supplier quality budget and headcount plan.

Represent Supplier Quality with Apex leadership, providing clear insight into supplier readiness, risks, and opportunities.

Requirements Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
15+ years of experience in Supply Chain or Supplier Quality.
5+ years leading teams in Supplier Quality, including experience managing managers or team leads.

Experience building and…