Spacecraft PCBA Manufacturing Engineer

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 PCBA Manufacturing Development Engineer to develop, implement, and scale manufacturing processes for high-reliability spacecraft electronics. This engineer will own process development for printed circuit board assemblies, supporting hardware from initial prototypes through production ramp. You'll work closely with avionics engineering, manufacturing technicians, quality, and suppliers to establish robust assembly processes, improve production yield, and ensure consistent hardware quality. The ideal candidate has deep technical knowledge of PCBA manufacturing, hands-on experience with SMT processes, and a track record of solving complex electronics manufacturing challenges.

Develop, implement, and optimize PCBA manufacturing processes for spacecraft avionics and electronic hardware. Own manufacturing process development from prototype builds through qualification and production ramp. Establish and improve SMT assembly processes, including solder paste printing, component placement, reflow soldering, and inspection. Develop manufacturing processes for through-hole assembly, selective soldering, hand soldering, and rework. Define manufacturing requirements, process parameters, inspection criteria, and workmanship standards. Partner with avionics design engineering to identify and resolve design-for-manufacturability and design-for-assembly challenges. Support equipment selection, tooling development, production line configuration, and manufacturing readiness. Investigate and resolve PCBA defects, including solder joint failures, component damage, contamination, and assembly-related issues. Develop process controls and validation methods to improve first-pass yield, repeatability, and production throughput. Collaborate with quality engineering to drive root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous process improvements. Support board-level inspection and test processes, including AOI, X-ray inspection, ICT, and functional testing. Work with external manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure process consistency, quality, and production readiness.

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field. 4+ years of experience in PCBA manufacturing engineering, electronics manufacturing, or SMT process development. Hands-on experience with SMT assembly processes, soldering, reflow profiling, and PCBA inspection. Understanding of PCB fabrication, component packaging, solder joint reliability, and electronics assembly requirements. Experience troubleshooting PCBA manufacturing defects and implementing corrective actions. Familiarity with IPC workmanship standards, including IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001. Experience developing manufacturing documentation, process instructions, and production controls.

Experience manufacturing high-reliability electronics for aerospace, defense, medical devices, or automotive applications. Familiarity with IPC Class 3 workmanship requirements. Experience with BGA,