Spacecraft Opto-Mechancial Manufacturing Engineer

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 an Opto-Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer to develop, implement, and scale manufacturing processes for precision opto-mechanical spacecraft assemblies. This role will bridge design engineering and production, taking hardware from initial development through qualification and repeatable manufacturing. The ideal candidate has experience with precision mechanical assemblies, optical alignment, tooling development, and hands-on hardware integration. You'll work closely with engineering and production teams to establish robust build processes, troubleshoot complex assembly challenges, and improve manufacturability as we scale. Responsibilities: - Develop and implement manufacturing and assembly processes for precision opto-mechanical spacecraft hardware. - Own hardware builds from initial prototypes through production qualification and manufacturing ramp. - Design and develop assembly fixtures, alignment tooling, and test equipment to support precision hardware integration. - Establish optical alignment, calibration, inspection, and verification procedures. - Partner with design engineering to improve manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and hardware reliability. - Develop detailed work instructions, manufacturing procedures, and inspection criteria. - Troubleshoot mechanical, optical, and electromechanical assembly issues during development and production. - Perform tolerance analysis and evaluate critical alignment, fit, and interface requirements. - Support environmental and functional testing, including vibration, thermal cycling, and optical performance verification. - Drive continuous improvements in manufacturing yield, assembly repeatability, quality, and throughput. Basic Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field. - 3+ years of experience in precision mechanical assembly, opto-mechanical integration, manufacturing engineering, or hardware development. - Experience developing assembly processes, tooling, and fixtures for complex hardware. - Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as NX, SolidWorks, or Creo. - Understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and precision measurement techniques. - Experience troubleshooting hardware and supporting hands-on assembly, integration, and testing. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with spacecraft optical payloads, sensors, cameras, laser systems, or precision optical instruments. - Knowledge of optical alignment techniques, metrology equipment, and calibration processes. - Experience with cleanroom assembly and contamination-sensitive hardware. - Familiarity with adhesives, bonding processes, precision fasteners, and thermal-mechanical interfaces. - Experience transitioning complex hardware from development into production. - Familiarity with environmental qualification testing for aerospace hardware. 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.