Engineering 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 We are looking for a highly skilled Harness Technician to join our Avionics Test team. In this role, you will be responsible for the fabrication, assembly, modification, and repair of complex electrical wire harnesses supporting spacecraft avionics and test systems. You will work from schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings to perform precision crimping, soldering, connectorization, shielding, splicing, routing, and continuity testing. You will work closely with engineers in a cleanroom environment to build high-quality, reliable harnesses to aerospace workmanship standards. Key Responsibilities - Wire Harness Fabrication: Fabricate, assemble, route, and terminate complex electrical wire and coaxial harnesses from engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions, adhering to NASA and IPC workmanship standards. - Crimping & Termination: Perform high-quality crimping, soldering, splicing, pinning, connectorization, shielding, sleeving, and potting across a variety of aerospace-grade wires, cables, and connectors. - Harness Inspection & Testing: Inspect and test completed harnesses using digital multimeters and other test equipment to perform continuity, insulation resistance, and point-to-point verification. - Harness Troubleshooting & Rework: Diagnose wiring, connector, and termination issues and perform repairs, modifications, and rework while maintaining required workmanship standards. - Drawing & Build Documentation: Interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, pinout tables, and harness drawings while maintaining accurate as-built records, build logs, and red-line documentation for full traceability. - Cleanroom & ESD Practices: Fabricate and handle harness assemblies in controlled ESD-safe and cleanroom environments while following established aerospace quality and safety procedures. - Engineering Collaboration: Work closely with engineers to translate designs into reliable, build-ready harness assemblies and provide feedback on manufacturability, routing, connector selection, and assembly processes. Required Qualifications & Skills - Experience: Minimum 2+ years of experience in satellite or spacecraft assembly and integration, specifically in aerospace structures, avionics integration, and harnessing. - Certifications: Active or prior certification in NASA-STD-8739 or IPC-J-STD-001 (Space Addendum). - Technical Proficiency: * Expert-level ability to read complex electrical schematics and 3D CAD models. - Experience with high-density connectors (Micro-D, Nano-D, Circular Mil-Spec). - Familiarity with quality standards and processes related to aerospace manufacturing. - Knowledge of vacuum-compatible materials and outgassing prevention. - Working knowledge of precision measurement tools and equipment used in satellite and spacecraft assembly and integration. - Ability to work effectively in a team environment, collaborating with engineers and technicians. - Strong commitment to safety, always adhering to safety protocols and guidelines. - Soft Skills: Extreme attention to detail—spaceflight doesn't allow for a "do-over." Physical Requirements - Ability to work under a microscope for extended periods. - Manual dexterity for handling tiny components and delicate wiring. - Ability to work in a manufacturing lab environment. - Ability to carry 50lbs #LI-JC1 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 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.