Spacecraft Quality Manager
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 experienced Spacecraft Quality Manager to lead and grow our production quality team. This role will lead both quality systems development and production quality operations, combining strategic quality management system implementation with hands-on leadership of production quality inspection teams. This role is critical in preparing our organization for AS9100 compliance auditing while ensuring flight-quality hardware meets the highest standards
Responsibilities:
• Lead cross-functional teams in support of AS9100 Quality Management Systems certification activities, including auditing, planning, implementing and maintaining processes and systems
• Develop and implement quality management system training and guidance for internal stakeholders to build policy, procedures and systems that meet business objectives
• Assess core business processes through internal audit to ensure conformance to company policies and procedures in accordance with ISO 9001/AS9100 standards and customer requirements
• Manage corrective and preventive action processes to correct nonconformances and drive continuous improvement of the management system
• Measure and monitor management system data and report to management on Quality System conformance status and improvement initiatives
• Lead and supervise a team of production quality inspectors across various spacecraft manufacturing areas
• Drive accountability for team performance and implement training and certifications to maintain a highly skilled, flexible, and capable workforce
• Oversee critical characteristic control within the production process, including establishment of necessary equipment and layout requirements
• Lead root cause corrective action (RCCA) processes, perform root cause analysis and product containment, and recommend/support implementation of corrective actions to reduce recurring non-conformances
• Supervise completion of subassembly quality assurance activities using company processes and systems in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment
Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, physics, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace, military, manufacturing, production, or testing environment, including 3+ years implementing, managing, or auditing quality management systems and 2+ years leading teams or projects
• Experience with AS9100 Quality Management Systems standard or ISO 9001
• Strong technical writing skills and ability to communicate effectively with management, technical teams, and all organizational levels
• Experience implementing core Quality Engineering principles and statistical process control methods
• Technical understanding of in-process, final quality inspection, and visual inspection methods
• Proven leadership experience guiding teams in creating and refining improvement ideas and executing results aligned to quality policies
• Experience bringing teams and processes from development to production phases
• Practical experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Design for Manufacturability, Kaizen, and Failure Mode Effects Analysis
• Proficiency with quality management software, ERP/MRP systems, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SQL queries, Tableau, or other data mining applications
• Demonstrated solid knowledge and application of root cause analysis tools for process improvements
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 backed by $200M in Series D 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 BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social 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 EV chargers, 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 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.