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.

About the Role

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.

Responsibilities:

• 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

Requirements:

• 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 (SolidWorks, 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

Nice to have:

• 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

#LI-MO1

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 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 community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family

• Your dream desk setup and 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.

ITAR Requirements

Apex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here .