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Spacecraft AIT Engineer (Early)

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 is seeking a talented Spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will play a crucial role in the spacecraft manufacturing and test process, ensuring the seamless integration of components and systems for our advanced space systems. Your expertise in aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and integration will be essential in delivering high-quality products that meet our stringent performance and reliability requirements.


Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop manufacturing plans and strategies for aerospace components and systems, ensuring efficient and reliable production processes.
  • Design, optimize, and implement assembly and integration procedures, work instructions, and manufacturing tools and fixtures.
  • Work closely with design engineers to review product designs for manufacturability and provide feedback to enhance production efficiency and ease of assembly.
  • Develop and implement quality control measures, including inspection criteria, test plans, and non-conformance resolution processes, to ensure adherence to specifications and industry standards.
  • Support the assembly and integration of aerospace components and systems, troubleshooting issues, and implementing corrective actions to maintain production schedules and quality targets.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and improve product quality and reliability.
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations and best practices throughout the manufacturing and integration processes.
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices in aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and integration technologies.
  • Provide technical support and guidance to production personnel, resolving technical issues and providing training as needed.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to support the transition of products from development to production, ensuring smooth and efficient production ramp-up.


Requirements:
  • U.S. Persons status is required as this position needs to access export-controlled data. 
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • 1+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and integration.
  • Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes.
  • Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
  • Experience in developing manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions.
  • Knowledge of quality control methodologies, including inspection techniques, statistical process control (SPC), and root cause analysis.
  • Familiarity with industry standards and best practices in aerospace manufacturing, such as AS9100 or similar quality management systems.
  • Experience with manufacturing tools and software, such as CAD/CAM, PLM, or ERP systems.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and business needs.


Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000 a year

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.


Benefits


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 offer the following benefits:


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

• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision plans. The primary and dependents’ premium is 99%+ covered. 

• Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package, to reset and recharge.

• Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.   

• Paid parental leave. 

• Daily lunch and unlimited snacks!

• Community events like monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club and more!

• Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self. 

• A world class office located in Playa Vista, filled with amazing coworkers and social gatherings for you and your family. 

• An opportunity to make a real impact in the aerospace industry.


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.

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Average salary estimate

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$90000K
$110000K

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What You Should Know About Spacecraft AIT Engineer (Early), Apex

Are you ready to launch your career as a Spacecraft AIT Engineer with Apex in sunny Los Angeles? This is your chance to be part of an innovative company at the forefront of the aerospace industry! As a Spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Test Engineer, you'll play a vital role in ensuring that our advanced space systems are built with precision and excellence. You'll collaborate with a talented team, working on the integration of components and systems for our cutting-edge satellite buses, which are the backbone of many payloads taking to space. In this dynamic role, you'll get your hands dirty designing and optimizing assembly processes while implementing quality control measures that uphold industry standards. Your expertise in aerospace manufacturing will not only help streamline production but also drive continuous improvement initiatives, meaning you'll constantly be finding better ways to do things and enhance product quality. Plus, you'll work closely with engineering teams, support production personnel, and even provide training—making your impact felt across the entire organization. If you have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and at least a year of relevant experience under your belt, along with the ability to navigate fast-paced, challenging environments, we want to hear from you! Be part of a mission that enables humanity to explore beyond our planet while enjoying great benefits and a supportive workplace culture. Together, let’s make space a little closer to home!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Spacecraft AIT Engineer (Early) Role at Apex
What are the responsibilities of a Spacecraft AIT Engineer at Apex?

As a Spacecraft AIT Engineer at Apex, your responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop manufacturing plans, designing and optimizing assembly procedures, and ensuring quality control across aerospace components. You'll also troubleshoot issues during the integration process and implement corrective actions to maintain production schedules.

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What qualifications are required for the Spacecraft AIT Engineer position at Apex?

To become a Spacecraft AIT Engineer at Apex, you will need a Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering and at least one year of experience in aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and integration. A strong understanding of aerospace processes and the ability to interpret engineering drawings are also crucial.

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What is the work culture like for a Spacecraft AIT Engineer at Apex?

The work culture for a Spacecraft AIT Engineer at Apex is collaborative and innovative. Employees enjoy a supportive environment filled with opportunities for creative problem solving, ongoing learning, and community events like BBQs and tournaments that foster camaraderie among team members.

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How does Apex support the development of a Spacecraft AIT Engineer?

Apex supports the development of a Spacecraft AIT Engineer through comprehensive onboarding processes, ongoing training, and mentorship opportunities. You’ll also be part of a culture that encourages continuous improvement and staying updated with the latest advancements in aerospace manufacturing techniques.

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What is the salary range for a Spacecraft AIT Engineer at Apex?

The salary range for a Spacecraft AIT Engineer at Apex is between $90,000 and $110,000 per year. This reflects the targeted base salary and does not include additional benefits such as healthcare and stock options that can significantly boost your total compensation.

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Common Interview Questions for Spacecraft AIT Engineer (Early)
What experience do you have in aerospace manufacturing for the Spacecraft AIT Engineer role?

In answering this question, highlight specific experiences related to aerospace manufacturing or assembly. Discuss any hands-on work you have done, projects you've been involved with, and what you learned from those experiences. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and ability to work in fast-paced environments.

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Can you describe a challenging project you worked on as an AIT Engineer?

Choose a project where you faced significant challenges and explain the situation, your approach to solving it, and the eventual outcome. Show how you applied your technical skills and collaboration with teams to achieve success while highlighting what you learned throughout the process.

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How do you ensure quality control in aerospace assembly processes?

Discuss your familiarity with quality control methodologies such as statistical process control (SPC) and inspection techniques. Illustrate your understanding by explaining how you would develop inspection criteria and test plans, along with past experiences where you successfully implemented quality measures.

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What tools and software are you proficient in for manufacturing processes?

Mention specific manufacturing tools and software you've utilized, such as CAD/CAM or PLM systems. Provide examples of projects where you used these tools to optimize processes or improve manufacturability, highlighting your ability to adapt to new technologies.

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What steps do you take to ensure safety during the assembly and integration process?

Safety is paramount in aerospace. Discuss the procedures you follow to ensure compliance with safety regulations, your experiences with risk assessments, and any training you've undergone related to safety in manufacturing environments.

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How do you handle tight deadlines for spacecraft projects?

Illustrate your time management skills by sharing your strategies for prioritizing tasks. Offer examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects and adhered to deadlines, emphasizing your ability to stay composed under pressure.

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Describe your experience with team collaboration in aerospace projects.

Emphasize your communication skills by discussing how you've worked with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals. Mention specific instances where collaboration led to improvements in processes or outcomes, and highlight how you foster strong working relationships.

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Can you explain a time when you identified a process improvement in manufacturing?

Share a specific example of a process improvement initiative you've led or contributed to. Discuss the situation, the actions you took to implement changes, and the impacts of those changes on productivity or quality.

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What motivates you as a Spacecraft AIT Engineer?

Discuss your passion for aerospace and how it drives your work. Mention elements such as innovation, problem-solving, and the excitement of contributing to meaningful projects that push the boundaries of technology and exploration.

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How do you stay current with trends in aerospace manufacturing?

Demonstrate your commitment to professional development by sharing resources you utilize, such as industry publications, online courses, and professional organizations. Explain how you apply this knowledge to your work and inspire innovations within your team.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
January 8, 2025

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