Staff NPI Manufacturing Engineer - Comet

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 is seeking a skilled and experienced Staff NPI Manufacturing Engineer to help define and scale the manufacturing strategy for Comet, a next generation spacecraft platform with substantially different production requirements than prior programs. In this role, you will drive the development of scalable manufacturing systems, production methodologies, factory infrastructure, and new product introduction processes required to transition from low rate development builds into high-rate production. You’ll work cross functionally with design engineering, production, supply chain, and leadership teams to ensure Comet is manufacturable, scalable, and operationally efficient from early architecture through production ramp. Responsibilities: - Drive manufacturing strategy and NPI execution for Comet from early development through production ramp - Partner directly with product design and engineering teams to provide DFM/DFA feedback throughout concept development, PDR, CDR, and release phases - Develop scalable production methodologies suitable for medium-to-high rate spacecraft manufacturing - Lead planning and development of new production facilities including factory layout, workflow definition, line design, GSE planning, and equipment integration - Define manufacturing process flows, assembly strategies, tooling concepts, and production readiness plans - Collaborate with automation engineering teams to identify and implement automation and semi-automation opportunities across production - Support sourcing, commissioning, validation, and deployment of production equipment, tooling, and manufacturing systems - Partner closely with supply chain, production, and engineering leadership to achieve cost, quality, reliability, and production rate targets - Drive root cause investigations, process improvements, and manufacturing readiness initiatives during integration and build activities - Establish and maintain manufacturing documentation, process controls, configuration management practices, and NPI best practices - Contribute to long-term strategy around vertical integration, manufacturing insourcing, and development of future internal manufacturing capabilities - Help define and grow the future NPI Manufacturing Engineering organization as production scale and complexity increase Requirements: - B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline - 8+ years of relevant industry experience in manufacturing engineering, NPI, production development, or factory engineering - Demonstrated experience scaling complex hardware products from prototype/development builds into production - Strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles, manufacturing process development, tooling design, and production system architecture - Experience planning or supporting factory development activities including facility layout, line design, equipment integration, or production ramp - Hands-on experience with manufacturing process validation, integration, hardware bring-up, and production troubleshooting - Experience working cross-functionally with design engineering, supply chain, quality, production, and test organizations - Strong understanding of configuration control, manufacturing documentation, process qualification, and engineering change management - Experience with automation systems, production equipment, or advanced manufacturing processes - Experience in aerospace, satellites, robotics, automotive, or other high complexity hardware industries - Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous development environments with high ownership and autonomy - Excellent communication and technical leadership skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive execution 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.