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 scaling a supplier quality organization, including hiring and developing teams.

• Proven expertise in supplier quality management, including RCCA, CAPA, audits, and inspection.

• Strong foundation in strategic sourcing, supplier development, and supplier performance improvement.

• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools.

• Track record of supporting production ramp-ups and new product launches.

• Ability to operate with urgency, autonomy, and accountability in a fast-paced production environment.

• Strong analytical and communication skills, including presenting to executives and supplier leadership, with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Willingness to travel up to 25% to visit suppliers and support off-site operations.

• Must be a U.S. Person (citizen or permanent resident) in accordance with ITAR regulations.

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace or automotive experience.

• Experience with flight hardware or satellite manufacturing.

• AS9100 lead auditor or ASQ certification (such as CQE, CMQ/OE, or CSQP).

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Why Join Apex?

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.

What We Offer For Full-time Employees:

• 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: Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

• Competitive 401(k) plan: 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 community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family

• Your dream desk setup: All the tools you need to be your most productive self

• World-class Playa Vista office: With the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life

• Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Additional Information:

Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full-time hires are also eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.