Spacecraft PCBA Manufacturing Engineer

Apex Space, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

World‑class healthcare

Comprehensive PTO (vacation)

Job summary

Apex Space, Inc. in Playa Vista, CA, seeks a PCBA Manufacturing Development Engineer to develop, implement, and scale manufacturing processes for high‑reliability spacecraft electronics.

You will own process development from prototype builds through production ramp, coordinating with avionics engineering, manufacturing technicians, quality, and suppliers to improve yield and ensure robust hardware quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with focus on electronics fabrication.
• 4+ years in PCBA manufacturing engineering, electronics manufacturing, or SMT process development.
• Hands-on experience with SMT assembly, soldering, reflow profiling, and PCBA inspection.
• Understanding PCB fabrication, packaging, solder joint reliability, and assembly requirements.
• Experience troubleshooting defects and implementing corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize PCBA manufacturing processes for spacecraft avionics and electronic hardware.
• Own process development from prototype builds through qualification and production ramp.
• Establish SMT assembly processes including paste printing, placement, reflow, and inspection.
• Develop processes for through-hole, selective soldering, hand soldering, and rework.
• Define manufacturing requirements, process parameters, inspection criteria, and workmanship standards.
• Partner with avionics design to address manufacturability challenges.
• Support equipment selection, tooling, line configuration, and manufacturing readiness.
• Investigate and resolve PCBA defects, including solder joint failures and contamination.
• Develop process controls and validation methods to improve first-pass yield and throughput.
• Collaborate with quality to drive root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Support board-level inspection and testing (AOI, X-ray, ICT, functional tests).
• Work with external partners to ensure process consistency and readiness.

Skills

PCBA manufacturing

SMT process development

Troubleshooting PCBAs

DFM/DFMA

Education

B.S. in Electrical/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AOI systems

X-ray inspection

IPC 610 / J-STD-001 knowledge

Rework equipment

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 a PCBA Manufacturing Development Engineer to develop, implement, and scale manufacturing processes for high-reliability spacecraft electronics.

This engineer will own process development for printed circuit board assemblies, supporting hardware from initial prototypes through production ramp. You'll work closely with avionics engineering, manufacturing technicians, quality, and suppliers to establish robust assembly processes, improve production yield, and ensure consistent hardware quality.

The ideal candidate has deep technical knowledge of PCBA manufacturing, hands‑on experience with SMT processes, and a track record of solving complex electronics manufacturing challenges.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and optimize PCBA manufacturing processes for spacecraft avionics and electronic hardware.

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

• Establish and improve SMT assembly processes, including solder paste printing, component placement, reflow soldering, and inspection.

• Develop manufacturing processes for through‑hole assembly, selective soldering, hand soldering, and rework.

• Define manufacturing requirements, process parameters, inspection criteria, and workmanship standards.

• Partner with avionics design engineering to identify and resolve design‑for‑manufacturability and design‑for‑assembly challenges.

• Support equipment selection, tooling development, production line configuration, and manufacturing readiness.

• Investigate and resolve PCBA defects, including solder joint failures, component damage, contamination, and assembly‑related issues.

• Develop process controls and validation methods to improve first‑pass yield, repeatability, and production throughput.

• Collaborate with quality engineering to drive root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous process improvements.

• Support board‑level inspection and test processes, including AOI, X‑ray inspection, ICT, and functional testing.

• Work with external manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure process consistency, quality, and production readiness.

Basic Qualifications:

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

• 4+ years of experience in PCBA manufacturing engineering, electronics manufacturing, or SMT process development.

• Hands‑on experience with SMT assembly processes, soldering, reflow profiling, and PCBA inspection.

• Understanding of PCB fabrication, component packaging, solder joint reliability, and electronics assembly requirements.

• Experience troubleshooting PCBA manufacturing defects and implementing corrective actions.

• Familiarity with IPC workmanship standards, including IPC‑A‑610 and J‑STD‑001.

• Experience developing manufacturing documentation, process instructions, and production controls.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience manufacturing high‑reliability electronics for aerospace, defense, medical devices, or automotive applications.

• Familiarity with IPC Class 3 workmanship requirements.

• Experience with BGA, QFN, fine‑pitch components, and complex multilayer PCBAs.

• Knowledge of automated optical inspection, X‑ray inspection, and solder paste inspection systems.

• Experience with conformal coating, staking, underfill, and electronics environmental protection processes.

• Familiarity with NASA or aerospace electronics workmanship requirements.

• Experience developing or scaling in‑house PCBA manufacturing lines.

• Understanding of electronics reliability testing, thermal cycling, vibration testing, and failure analysis.

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: Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

• Competitive 401(k) plan: 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 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

Additional Information:

Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full‑time hires are also eligible for long‑term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.

ITAR Requirements

Apex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here.

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.