Spacecraft 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 is seeking a Solar Technician to support the assembly, integration, and testing of solar array systems for our spacecraft platforms. In this hands-on role, you will work closely with engineering and production teams to build high-quality, flight-ready hardware while supporting Apex's mission to manufacture spacecraft at scale. This role is ideal for someone with a strong mechanical assembly background, attention to detail, and experience working with precision hardware. You'll be directly involved in building critical spacecraft components, troubleshooting production challenges, and continuously improving manufacturing processes as we scale production. Responsibilities: - Perform mechanical assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft solar array systems and associated hardware. - Assemble precision mechanical components using engineering drawings, work instructions, and established manufacturing procedures. - Install and integrate solar panels, deployment mechanisms, hinges, brackets, fasteners, and associated components. - Perform torque operations, bonding, adhesive applications, and other precision assembly processes. - Use hand tools, power tools, measurement equipment, and specialized fixtures to complete hardware builds. - Inspect completed assemblies to ensure compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and workmanship requirements. - Identify, document, and troubleshoot assembly issues, nonconformances, and manufacturing challenges. - Collaborate with manufacturing engineers, quality inspectors, and other technicians to resolve production issues. - Support functional testing, deployment testing, and verification activities for solar array assemblies. - Maintain accurate build records, traceability documentation, and production data. - Follow established safety, FOD prevention, and ESD control procedures. - Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and repeatability. Basic Qualifications: - 3+ years of experience in mechanical assembly, manufacturing, integration, or production environments. - Experience assembling precision mechanical or electromechanical hardware. - Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and technical documentation. - Proficiency with hand tools, torque tools, measurement equipment, and precision assembly techniques. - Familiarity with mechanical fastening, bonding, and hardware installation processes. - Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality, safety, and workmanship standards. - Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience in aerospace, spacecraft, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments. - Hands-on experience assembling or integrating spacecraft solar arrays, deployable structures, or mechanical mechanisms. - Familiarity with solar panel handling, deployment mechanisms, and sensitive flight hardware. - Experience with adhesives, bonding, staking, and aerospace mechanical assembly processes. - Understanding of FOD prevention, ESD controls, and cleanroom procedures. - Experience supporting functional testing, mechanical deployment testing, or hardware qualification. - Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems (MES), electronic work instructions, and production documentation. - Experience identifying manufacturing issues and contributing to process improvements. Additional Requirements: - Ability to work onsite at Apex's Factory One facility in Los Angeles. - Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and perform repetitive assembly tasks. - Comfortable working with delicate, high-value flight hardware in a production environment. - Willingness to support production schedules and occasional overtime as needed. 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.