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Solar Array Manufacturing Development Engineer Verified today

Apex Spacecraft · Los Angeles, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-10-09
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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. This role is based on-site in Los Angeles.

Key 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 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.

Employment Type and Location

Full-time, on-site in Los Angeles.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Full-time employees receive equity in Apex (stock options), 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, $100k life insurance at no cost, 401(k) matching (100% on first 3%, 50% on next 2%), 15+ days vacation plus 10 paid holidays, 8 weeks paid parental leave, and childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel.

Export Control 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, you must either qualify as a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) or be able to obtain required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency.