Spacecraft Quality Engineer

Job description

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 Space is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Spacecraft Quality Engineer to join our team! The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering, quality assurance, and supplier management. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality in the development and production of spacecraft hardware components. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive quality assurance throughout the lifecycle of hardware components, from initial design and prototyping to final production and delivery. Responsibilities: • Ensure all spacecraft hardware components meet or exceed quality standards through rigorous testing, inspection, and validation process adherence. • Lead the development and execution of QMS manuals, processes, inspection instructions and forms for hardware components and subsystems. • Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to identify and mitigate potential quality issues during the DFMA phase of product development. • Support the development of engineering specifications and ensure alignment between design goals and quality standards. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, address and mitigate quality issues from production and testing phases to delivery. • Collaborate with leadership in the development of quality metrics, Pareto charts and related tracking methods. • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in hardware manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and operational procedures. • Create and maintain comprehensive documentation, including test plans, inspection reports, failure analysis reports, and quality audits. • Ensure proper risk management and compliance with industry standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and other applicable space industry certifications. • Identify and mitigate risks associated with supplier performance and supply chain disruptions by partnering with supply chain leadership and providing objective evidence of supplier caused rework, repair and down time. • Lead broad CAPA and specific RCCA efforts involving multidisciplinary teams using 8D, DMAIC and other QE tools as necessary. Requirements: • U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data. • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or related field). • 5+ years of experience in supplier development, quality assurance, or supply chain management. • Proven experience with supplier evaluation, audits, and performance management. • Knowledge of quality systems and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100). • Proficiency in data analysis and statistical process control (SPC). • Strong problem-solving and project management skills. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed. • ASQ CQE/CSQP Certification is preferred. • Working knowledge of Lean Methodology is preferred. 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: 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 https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987. 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.