Spacecraft Quality Engineer — Elevate Satellite Bus QA

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Company-paid healthcare

PTO starting at 15 days

401(k) with matching

Parental leave

Catered lunch

Office in Playa Vista

Job summary

Apex Space, Inc. is seeking a Spacecraft Quality Engineer in Los Angeles to drive quality assurance across hardware development and production.

You will lead QA activities, implement QMS, and partner with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to prevent defects from DFMA through delivery. The role emphasizes supplier evaluation, audits, and RCCA using 8D/DMAIC methods, with travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Qualifications

• U.S. Person status is required 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 SPC.
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• ASQ CQE/CSQP Certification is preferred.
• Working knowledge of Lean Methodology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Supplier Management

QMS Development

ISO AS9100

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SPC

Job description

Apex Space, Inc. is seeking a Spacecraft Quality Engineer in Los Angeles to drive quality assurance across hardware development and production.

You will lead QA activities, implement QMS, and partner with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to prevent defects from DFMA through delivery. The role emphasizes supplier evaluation, audits, and RCCA using 8D/DMAIC methods, with travel domestically and internationally as needed.