Lead Solar Technician

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 an experienced Lead Solar Technician to lead the assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft solar arrays. This role is highly hands-on while also providing technical guidance, mentorship, and day-to-day coordination for the solar production team. Responsibilities: - Lead day-to-day assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft solar arrays. - Mentor and train technicians while coordinating build priorities, task assignments, and progress. - Perform and oversee solar array assembly, including mechanical fastening, bonding, composites, wiring, harnessing, and precision alignment. - Support integration of solar cells, electrical systems, composite structures, and deployment hardware. - Perform and oversee electrical and functional testing, including continuity checks and troubleshooting. - Support environmental and deployment testing of flight hardware. - Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis alongside engineering and quality. - Identify and escalate build issues, nonconformances, and production blockers. - Ensure builds meet engineering drawings, work instructions, quality standards, and safety requirements. - Maintain accurate build documentation, inspection records, and test results. - Partner with engineering to improve tooling, fixtures, processes, and work instructions. - Drive continuous improvement in production efficiency, quality, and repeatability as solar array production scales. Requirements: - U.S. Person status required. - 5+ years of experience in aerospace, spacecraft, solar, electronics, composites, or high-reliability hardware manufacturing. - Experience leading, training, or mentoring technicians. - Strong hands-on electrical and mechanical assembly experience, including wiring, harnessing, bonding, and precision assembly. - Experience with composites, solar arrays, deployable hardware, or spacecraft power systems preferred. - Strong electrical troubleshooting skills and experience with electrical test equipment. - Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions. - Strong communication, problem-solving, and commitment to safety and quality. 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+ 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. 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 discriminat