NPI Manufacturing Engineer

Apex Space, Inc.; Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Healthcare benefits for you and depend

PTO 15–20 days + holidays

401(k) with match

Parental leave

Catered lunch and snacks

Playa Vista office

Job summary

Apex Space, Inc. is seeking an experienced NPI Manufacturing Engineer to join our team.

In this role, you will support the development of scalable manufacturing processes, production methodologies, tooling, and new product introduction (NPI) practices for commercial and government programs. You'll work cross-functionally with design engineering, production, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure our deliverables are manufacturable, scalable, and efficient to build.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, NPI, production development, or factory engineering.
• Experience transitioning hardware from prototype to production.
• Strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles and tooling design.
• Proficiency interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Hands-on experience with process validation, hardware bring‑up, and production troubleshooting.
• Cross-functional collaboration with design, supply chain, quality, production, and test teams.
• Exposure to automation systems or advanced manufacturing processes.
• Experience in aerospace, satellites, robotics, automotive, or high‑complexity hardware.

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing and NPI execution as programs transition from development builds through production ramp.
• Partner with product design and engineering to provide DFM/DFA feedback during concept development, PDR, CDR, and release phases.
• Develop production methodologies and process flows suitable for medium-to-high-rate spacecraft manufacturing.
• Contribute to factory development activities including workflow definition, line design, GSE planning, and equipment integration.
• Define assembly strategies, tooling concepts, work instructions, and production readiness plans.
• Support sourcing, commissioning, validation, and deployment of production equipment, tooling, and manufacturing systems.
• Work with supply chain, production, and quality teams to meet cost, quality, reliability, and production rate targets.
• Establish and maintain manufacturing documentation, process controls, and configuration management practices in line with NPI best practices.

Skills

DFM/DFA

Manufacturing process development

Tooling design

Engineering drawings

Process validation

Hardware bring‑up

Cross‑functional collaboration

Engineering change management

Automation systems

Aerospace hardware

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

DFX feedback

Job description

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 NPI Manufacturing Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will support the development of scalable manufacturing processes, production methodologies, tooling, and new product introduction (NPI) practices for commercial and government programs. You'll work cross-functionally with design engineering, production, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure our deliverables are manufacturable, scalable, and efficient to build.

Responsibilities:

• Support manufacturing and NPI execution as the programs transition from development builds through production ramp

• Partner with product design and engineering teams to provide DFM/DFA feedback throughout concept development, PDR, CDR, and release phases

• Help develop production methodologies and process flows suitable for medium-to-high-rate spacecraft manufacturing

• Contribute to factory development activities including workflow definition, line design, GSE planning, and equipment integration

• Define assembly strategies, tooling concepts, work instructions, and production readiness plans

• Support sourcing, commissioning, validation, and deployment of production equipment, tooling, and manufacturing systems

• Work with supply chain, production, and quality teams to help meet cost, quality, reliability, and production rate targets

• Establish and maintain manufacturing documentation, process controls, and configuration management practices in line with NPI best practices

Requirements:

• U.S. Persons status is required, as this position needs to access export-controlled data

• Active Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance desired, but not required

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience

• 3+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering, NPI, production development, or factory engineering

• Experience transitioning complex hardware products from prototype/development builds into production

• Strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles, manufacturing process development, and tooling design

• Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents

• Hands‑on experience with manufacturing process validation, integration, hardware bring‑up, and production troubleshooting

• Experience working cross‑functionally with design engineering, supply chain, quality, production, and test organizations

• Familiarity with configuration control, manufacturing documentation, process qualification, and engineering change management

• Exposure to automation systems, production equipment, or advanced manufacturing processes

• Experience in aerospace, satellites, robotics, automotive, or other high‑complexity hardware industries

• Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments with strong ownership

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across cross‑functional teams

#LI-HC1

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 that has raised more than $500M in 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 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.

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.