Lead Spacecraft Technician
Apex
Location
Los Angeles
Employment Type
Full time
Department
Production
Compensation
- Lead Spacecraft Technician$37.00 – $47.00 per hour
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.
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 Space is seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Spacecraft Technician to oversee and guide the assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of our spacecraft. As a Lead, you will not only perform hands-on build activities but also mentor a team of technicians, coordinate with engineering, and ensure quality, efficiency, and safety throughout the production process. Your leadership will be critical in ensuring our spacecraft are built to the highest standards and delivered on time to meet mission requirements.
Responsibilities:
• Lead day-to-day activities of spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing, ensuring adherence to engineering specifications, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to technicians, fostering skill growth and cross-training.
• Coordinate task assignments, track progress, and communicate status updates to supervisors and engineering teams.
• Perform and oversee structural assembly tasks, including component installation, sub-assemblies, mechanical fastening and installation, bonding, and precision alignment.
• Guide avionics system integration, ensuring correct installation of electronic components, and wiring harnesses.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis, working with engineers to resolve technical issues quickly and effectively.
• Lead system-level functional testing (Polarity Functional, RF Testing, Battery, Communication, Payload and General Functions.)
• Participate in and oversee environmental testing activities (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock) for spacecraft validation.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and industry’s best practices, driving a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate documentation of assembly activities, test results, and discrepancies.
• Collaborate with leadership to improve processes, tooling, and documentation to increase efficiency and reduce errors.
• Serve as a role model for safety, quality, and professionalism on the production floor.
Requirements:
• U.S. Person status required (export-controlled data access).
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft or satellite assembly, integration, and testing (structures, avionics, harnessing).
• Experience training and mentoring new technicians to develop their skills and holding others accountable to protocols and standards.
• Deep proficiency in aerospace assembly techniques: mechanical fastening, bonding, alignment, avionics integration, and harness installation.
• Strong background in system-level functional testing and troubleshooting electrical/mechanical issues.
• Familiarity with environmental testing methods (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock).
• Working knowledge of precision measurement tools and interpretation of engineering drawings.
• Experience with quality systems and standards in aerospace manufacturing.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to coordinate across technicians, engineers, and leadership.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a track record of driving improvements in processes or team performance.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and mentorship.
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 backed by $200M in Series C funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.
What We Offer:
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 BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social 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 EV chargers, 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.