Staff Mission 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 Staff Mission Manager to lead complex customer missions through the satellite bus development and delivery lifecycle. In this role, you will serve as a senior customer interface and drive execution across engineering, manufacturing, Supply Chain, Mission Services, and other teams. This role requires a high degree of autonomy, strong technical judgment, and the ability to navigate complex customer and cross-functional challenges. You will identify risks, drive resolution of critical issues, and align stakeholders around decisions and execution. As a Staff Mission Manager, you will help shape how Apex manages missions at scale by establishing best practices, mentoring other Mission Managers, and driving improvements to mission execution processes over the lifecycle of commercial and government programs. Responsibilities: - Serve as the senior point of contact for Apex customers, owning communication, alignment, and execution throughout the satellite bus development and delivery lifecycle. - Lead complex, high-priority, or strategically important missions, driving cross-functional execution across engineering, manufacturing, Supply Chain, Mission Services, and other teams. - Establish and manage integrated mission schedules, milestones, dependencies, and deliverables to ensure customer and business commitments are met. - Proactively identify and mitigate mission-level risks, technical challenges, and roadblocks, driving resolution of high-impact issues and escalating effectively when needed. - Translate complex technical and programmatic information into clear customer communication and decisions, serving as a trusted escalation point for customer concerns. - Drive alignment and decision-making across stakeholders, resolving competing priorities and maintaining execution in ambiguous or rapidly changing environments. - Lead improvements to mission management processes, tools, and operating mechanisms while identifying opportunities to improve mission execution across Apex. - Mentor and provide guidance to other Mission Managers, helping establish consistent execution standards and raising the overall capability of the Mission Services organization. Requirements: - U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data. - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field. Advanced degrees are a plus. - 10+ years of experience in technical program, project, mission, or systems management, preferably in the space, aerospace, or defense industry. - Active Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance desired, but not required - Demonstrated experience independently leading complex, technically sophisticated programs with significant customer, schedule, and execution requirements. - Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive execution across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and other functions without direct authority. - Strong understanding of satellite technology, spacecraft systems, and the space industry. - Demonstrated ability to identify and mitigate program risks, resolve high-impact issues, manage dependencies, and drive decisions in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments. - Exceptional customer and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and executive audiences. - Demonstrated leadership through influence, including mentoring other program or mission managers and improving mission management processes, tools, and execution standards. - PMP, CAPM, or equivalent project management certification is required. #LI-RC1 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.