About the RoleApex 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.
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.
Basic Qualifications:- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 RequirementsApex'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.
