Spacecraft Quality Engineer (Senior)

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. 

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Quality Engineer to join our team! The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering, quality assurance, and supplier management. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality in the development and production of spacecraft hardware components. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive quality assurance throughout the lifecycle of hardware components, from initial design and prototyping to final production and delivery.

• Ensure all spacecraft hardware components meet or exceed quality standards through rigorous testing, inspection, and validation processes.
• Lead and manage the development and execution of quality plans, quality control procedures, and inspection techniques for hardware components and subsystems.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to identify and resolve potential quality issues during the design phase and throughout the production process.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in hardware manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and operational procedures.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation, including test plans, inspection reports, failure analysis reports, and quality audits.
• Ensure proper risk management and compliance with industry standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, or other applicable space industry certifications.
• Support the development of engineering specifications and ensure alignment between design goals and quality standards.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with supplier performance and supply chain disruptions.

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or related field).
• 5+ years of experience in supplier development, quality assurance, or supply chain management.
• Proven experience with supplier evaluation, audits, and performance management.
• Knowledge of quality systems and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100).
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical process control (SPC).
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Salary Range: $130,000 - $165,000 a year

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

Benefits

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 offer the following benefits:

• Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.  

• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision plans. The primary and dependents’ premium is 99%+ covered. 

• Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package, to reset and recharge.

• Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.   

• Paid parental leave. 

• Daily lunch and unlimited snacks!

• Community events like monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club and more!

• Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self. 

• A world class office located in Playa Vista, filled with amazing coworkers and social gatherings for you and your family. 

• An opportunity to make a real impact in the aerospace industry.

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.