Solar Array Technician – Harnessing

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 a Harnessing Technician to fabricate and install electrical harnesses on solar array panels and satellite buses. You will build the wiring interconnects that route power from our solar arrays through the spacecraft, and your work must meet the strictest aerospace electrical workmanship standards. This is a critical single-hire role for our solar array production team.

Responsibilities:

- Fabricate solar array electrical harnesses including wire cutting, stripping, crimping, and termination per schematics and wiring diagrams.

- Install and route harness assemblies on solar array panels and spacecraft structures, ensuring proper strain relief, clamp spacing, and bend radius.

- Perform connector backshell assembly, potting, and shell installation per IPC/WHMA-A-620 and engineering specifications.

- Execute harness continuity, resistance, and hi-pot testing to verify electrical integrity of solar array power circuits.

- Perform harness rework and repair including splice repair, wire repair, and connector pin extraction/insertion.

- Apply ESD controls and FOD prevention protocols throughout all harness fabrication and installation activities.

- Support solar array system-level electrical checkout including open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and power output verification.

- Document assembly activities, test results, and non-conformances in production records.

- Support the development and maintenance of assembly procedures, work instructions, and quality documentation

- Contribute to the continuous improvement of assembly and integration processes, recommending and implementing efficiency enhancements and quality improvements

Requirements:

- U.S. Person status required (export-controlled data).

- 3+ years of experience in aerospace or electronics harness fabrication, installation, and testing.

- Proficiency in wire crimping (M22520 tooling), terminal installation, and connector backshell assembly.

- Working knowledge of IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 harness workmanship standards.

- Experience performing harness continuity, resistance, and hi-pot electrical testing.

- Basic electrical knowledge including polarity and circuit fundamentals.

- Ability to interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and connector pinout documentation.

- Cleanroom experience or solid working knowledge of cleanroom and ESD/FOD prevention protocols.

- Good computer skills for documentation and digital work instructions.

- Ability to work effectively in a team environment, collaborating with engineers and technicians

- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical information to team members and stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

- IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification

- Prior experience harnessing solar array panels, photovoltaic modules, or spacecraft power systems.

- Experience with solar array junction box wiring, bypass diode connections, or power conditioning interconnects.

- Familiarity with NASA-STD-8739.4 crimping and cable installation standards.

- Experience supporting system-level electrical power verification testing.

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 that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

WHAT WE OFFER FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES:

- 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: Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

- Competitive 401(k) plan: 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 socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family

- Your dream desk setup: All the tools you need to be your most productive self

- World-class Playa Vista office: 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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full-time hires are also eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.

ITAR 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 for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987.

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.