Production Control Manager

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 talented and experienced Production Control Manager to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will play a crucial role in the spacecraft manufacturing and test process, ensuring the seamless and on-time integration of components and systems for our advanced space systems. Your expertise in aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and integration will be essential in delivering high-quality products that meet our stringent performance and reliability requirements. Responsibilities: - Build a team of high-performing key contributors in long-term and day-to-day production planning, providing advanced scheduling solutions and strategic insights. - Develop the processes for the Production Control team to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams—engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and business development—to develop and maintain comprehensive master schedules using Microsoft Office and other relevant tools. - Coach team members to provide regular reporting on schedule performance through daily updates, weekly summaries, and monthly reviews. - Develop and use reporting tools and metrics—leveraging Excel, queries, and visual dashboards—to identify material shortages and schedule risks and hold team members and cross-functional teams accountable to these KPI’s. - Generate the infrastructure to create and manage daily work schedules, monitor progress, identify potential bottlenecks, and communicate project timeline updates to leadership. - Collaborate with other stakeholders to build an MRP system with data that reflects accurate delivery timelines and aligns with vehicle production schedules. - Build a system for the team to coordinate the timely availability of fixtures, tooling, and testing equipment to ensure smooth production cycles. - Maintain a thorough understanding of facility capabilities and workforce availability to inform scheduling decisions. - Lead initiatives focused on improving product quality, efficiency, safety, and overall performance. - Spearhead process automation and lean production efforts by simplifying workflows and increasing operational efficiency. Requirements: · U.S. Persons status is required as this position needs to access export-controlled data. · 4+ years of manufacturing scheduling experience, ideally in a high-rate aerospace or automotive environment · 2+ years of people leadership experience, ideally leading a production control team responsible for managing and meeting rate production schedules · Strong understanding of a variety of scheduling philosophies, able to tailor scheduling to fit to different value streams · High proficiency in software packages utilized to produce and maintain schedules, such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, and/or P6/Primavera · Experience with developing, implementing, and refining manufacturing tools and software, such as ERP/MRP & MES systems · Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues in a fast-paced environment. · High capability in Microsoft Office tools, especially those used for data analysis (i.e. Excel, PowerBI, SQL) · Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. · Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously. · Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and business needs. 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 to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+