About the RoleApex 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
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
Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.
