Spacecraft Quality Engineer

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. 

Apex Space is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Spacecraft 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 process adherence.

• Lead the development and execution of QMS manuals, processes, inspection instructions and forms for hardware components and subsystems.

• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to identify and mitigate potential quality issues during the DFMA phase of product development.

• Support the development of engineering specifications and ensure alignment between design goals and quality standards.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, address and mitigate quality issues from production and testing phases to delivery.

• Collaborate with leadership in the development of quality metrics, Pareto charts and related tracking methods.

• 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, and other applicable space industry certifications.

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with supplier performance and supply chain disruptions by partnering with supply chain leadership and providing objective evidence of supplier caused rework, repair and down time.

• Lead broad CAPA and specific RCCA efforts involving multidisciplinary teams using 8D, DMAIC and other QE tools as necessary.

• 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.

• ASQ CQE/CSQP Certification is preferred.

• Working knowledge of Lean Methodology is preferred.

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.