Solar Array Manufacturing Development Engineer

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for spacecraft solar array assemblies and subassemblies.
• Support solar cell integration, stringing, interconnects, bonding, layup, and panel assembly processes.
• Own manufacturing process development from prototype builds through production ramp.
• Design and implement production tooling, assembly fixtures, and manufacturing equipment.
• Develop standardized work instructions, process specifications, and inspection procedures.
• Collaborate with design engineering to improve solar array manufacturability, reliability, and assembly efficiency.
• Identify and resolve production challenges related to bonding, electrical connections, materials, and mechanical integration.
• Develop process controls and quality verification methods to ensure consistent hardware performance.
• Support electrical, mechanical, and environmental testing of solar array assemblies.
• Drive improvements in manufacturing cycle time, first-pass yield, production capacity, and overall process reliability.
• Support production line layout, equipment selection, workflow optimization, and manufacturing readiness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process development, or hardware production.
• Experience developing and improving manufacturing processes for complex electromechanical assemblies.

Preferred

• Experience developing new production lines or scaling manufacturing capacity.
• Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing standards, workmanship requirements, and environmental qualification testing.
• Experience implementing automation or semi-automated manufacturing processes.

About the Role

Apex is seeking a Solar Array Manufacturing Development Engineer to lead the development and scaling of manufacturing processes for spacecraft solar array assemblies.

This role will focus on establishing efficient, repeatable production processes for solar array hardware, from initial builds through full-rate manufacturing. You'll work directly with design engineering, technicians, and production leadership to develop tooling, optimize assembly methods, and improve manufacturing yield and throughput.

We're looking for an engineer who enjoys being on the production floor, solving hardware challenges, and building manufacturing capabilities from the ground up.

Basic Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with assembly tooling, fixtures, manufacturing equipment, and production troubleshooting.
• Understanding of manufacturing process validation, quality control, and production documentation.
• Experience collaborating with design engineering and production teams to transition hardware into manufacturing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience manufacturing spacecraft solar arrays, photovoltaic modules, or similar high-reliability electrical assemblies.
• Familiarity with solar cell stringing, soldering, welding, bonding, encapsulation, and panel integration.
• Experience with composite structures, adhesives, precision bonding, or thin-film materials.
• Understanding of electrical testing, continuity testing, insulation resistance, and solar array performance verification.

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.