Spacecraft Build Engineer

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

Preferred

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

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.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or related field
• 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.

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.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.