Spacecraft Production Manager

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 an experienced Production Manager to lead our high-volume manufacturing operations and deliver world-class products on aggressive timelines. This role requires a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, drives continuous improvement, and isn't afraid to challenge the status quo. You will be responsible for managing production teams, optimizing processes, and ensuring we meet our ambitious production targets while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of production supervisors and technicians to achieve daily, weekly, and monthly production goals
• Own end-to-end production operations for assigned manufacturing areas, from raw materials to finished product
• Drive operational excellence through lean manufacturing principles, identifying and eliminating waste in all forms
• Develop and execute production schedules that balance efficiency, quality, and delivery commitments
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, supply chain, and maintenance teams to resolve production constraints and drive continuous improvement
• Implement process improvements that increase throughput, reduce cycle time, and lower manufacturing costs
• Monitor key performance indicators and take immediate corrective action when metrics fall outside acceptable ranges
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and foster a culture where safety is never compromised
• Manage equipment reliability programs and coordinate with maintenance teams to minimize unplanned downtime
• Build and maintain a high-performance culture focused on accountability, urgency, and results
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for quality escapes and production disruptions
• Drive workforce planning, hiring, and training initiatives to support rapid production scaling

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or 7+ years of professional experience in a high-rate manufacturing/production environment
• 2+ years of experience directly managing teams of 20+ employees, ideally managing managers across multiple shifts
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
• Proven track record of meeting aggressive production targets in a high-volume manufacturing environment
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive decision-making
• Experience developing and implementing new features in ERP/MES systems for use by production personnel
• Demonstrated ability and passion for people leadership, focused on coaching and mentoring team members to drive strong performance

Salary Range: $130,000 - $180,000 a year

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 D funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

• 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…