Director, Manufacturing Development

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 Manufacturing Development Director to build and scale our Manufacturing Development organization, driving the transition of spacecraft programs from early design through production readiness and high-rate manufacturing. This role will sit at the center of Engineering and Production, owning the development, maturation, and industrialization of manufacturing processes, tooling, test infrastructure, and assembly flows required to successfully ramp spacecraft production at scale.

You will lead cross-functional efforts focused on New Product Introduction (NPI), manufacturing process development, production readiness, and factory scaling initiatives across spacecraft assembly, integration, and test operations. Your work will directly impact our ability to rapidly bring new spacecraft platforms and hardware into production while maintaining uncompromising quality, reliability, and efficiency.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and scale the Manufacturing Development organization supporting spacecraft production, including Manufacturing Engineering, Integration Engineering, Test Engineering, NPI, and production readiness initiatives.

• Own the transition of new spacecraft products and subsystems from development into volume production, ensuring manufacturability, repeatability, and production scalability.

• Drive NPI execution across spacecraft programs, partnering closely with Design Engineering, Supply Chain, Production, Quality, and Test teams throughout the product lifecycle.

• Develop and implement manufacturing development strategies that support aggressive production ramp goals while maintaining high quality and reliability standards.

• Establish robust manufacturing processes, assembly flows, tooling, fixtures, work instructions, and test methodologies for new and existing spacecraft hardware.

• Lead production readiness reviews, risk assessments, and factory integration planning for new products and major design changes.

• Identify manufacturing bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and cost optimization.

• Partner with leadership to define factory scaling strategies, resource planning, capital investments, and long-term manufacturing roadmaps.

• Drive design-for-manufacturing (DFM), design-for-assembly (DFA), and design-for-test (DFT) best practices across engineering teams.

• Build and develop high-performing technical teams while fostering a culture of urgency, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Evaluate and implement new manufacturing technologies, automation strategies, and production systems to improve efficiency and scalability.

• Support rapid development timelines and evolving program priorities in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. Advanced degree preferred.

• 10+ years of experience leading manufacturing, NPI, manufacturing engineering, or production development organizations within aerospace, automotive, or other high-complexity hardware industries.

• Proven track record successfully bringing new products from development into production and scaling manufacturing operations.

• Strong understanding of spacecraft, aerospace, electromechanical, or high-reliability hardware assembly and integration processes.

• Experience developing manufacturing systems, tooling, production lines, and test infrastructure for complex hardware programs.

• Deep knowledge of NPI methodologies, production readiness processes, lean manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement frameworks.

• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively across engineering and production organizations, driving alignment between design intent and manufacturing execution.

• Strong leadership and team development skills with experience building high-performing technical organizations.

• Excellent problem-solving, project management, and decision-making abilities in fast-paced development environments.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.

• Experience supporting rapid production ramps and scaling manufacturing operations in dynamic environments.

• Familiarity with aerospace quality systems, regulatory requirements, and safety standards applicable to flight hardware manufacturing.

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.

• 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

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.

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.