About the Role

Apex is seeking a Solar Array Manufacturing Development Engineer to lead the development and scaling of manufacturing processes for spacecraft solar array assemblies.

This role will focus on establishing efficient, repeatable production processes for solar array hardware, from initial builds through full-rate manufacturing. You'll work directly with design engineering, technicians, and production leadership to develop tooling, optimize assembly methods, and improve manufacturing yield and throughput.

We're looking for an engineer who enjoys being on the production floor, solving hardware challenges, and building manufacturing capabilities from the ground up.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for spacecraft solar array assemblies and subassemblies.

• Support solar cell integration, stringing, interconnects, bonding, layup, and panel assembly processes.

• Own manufacturing process development from prototype builds through production ramp.

• Design and implement production tooling, assembly fixtures, and manufacturing equipment.

• Develop standardized work instructions, process specifications, and inspection procedures.

• Collaborate with design engineering to improve solar array manufacturability, reliability, and assembly efficiency.

• Identify and resolve production challenges related to bonding, electrical connections, materials, and mechanical integration.

• Develop process controls and quality verification methods to ensure consistent hardware performance.

• Support electrical, mechanical, and environmental testing of solar array assemblies.

• Drive improvements in manufacturing cycle time, first-pass yield, production capacity, and overall process reliability.

• Support production line layout, equipment selection, workflow optimization, and manufacturing readiness.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process development, or hardware production.

• Experience developing and improving manufacturing processes for complex electromechanical assemblies.

• Hands-on experience with assembly tooling, fixtures, manufacturing equipment, and production troubleshooting.

• Understanding of manufacturing process validation, quality control, and production documentation.

• Experience collaborating with design engineering and production teams to transition hardware into manufacturing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience manufacturing spacecraft solar arrays, photovoltaic modules, or similar high-reliability electrical assemblies.

• Familiarity with solar cell stringing, soldering, welding, bonding, encapsulation, and panel integration.

• Experience with composite structures, adhesives, precision bonding, or thin-film materials.

• Understanding of electrical testing, continuity testing, insulation resistance, and solar array performance verification.

• Experience developing new production lines or scaling manufacturing capacity.

• Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing standards, workmanship requirements, and environmental qualification testing.

• Experience implementing automation or semi-automated manufacturing processes.

What We Offer For Full-time Employees:

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