Director, Factory Deployment

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 We are seeking a Director of Factory Deployment to lead the global rollout of Apex’s manufacturing capability. This role is responsible for standing up new factories domestically and internationally by replicating our existing production environment, ensuring speed, consistency, and operational excellence. This is a high-impact, program-driven role focused on execution—owning the end-to-end deployment of new manufacturing sites, from planning through launch. Once a factory is successfully deployed, this role will also drive process documentation and standardization, enabling repeatable, scalable expansion. What You’ll Do Product & Project Leadership • Act as the product owner for factory deployments, managing timelines, budgets, and cross-functional execution • Coordinate across manufacturing, supply chain, facilities, IT, and leadership • Identify risks early and drive issue resolution across multiple stakeholders and geographies • Build and manage deployment roadmaps, trackers, and executive-level reporting Factory Deployment & Replication • Lead the end-to-end deployment of new factory sites globally, including international locations • Translate Apex’s existing factory infrastructure into a repeatable deployment model • Oversee site readiness across facilities, equipment, systems, and workforce ramp-up • Ensure each site launches on time, on budget, and aligned to Apex production standards Standardization & Productization • Capture and document the end-to-end factory setup process after each deployment • Develop a scalable, repeatable factory deployment playbook • Drive continuous improvement to reduce time-to-deploy and cost per site • Partner with internal teams to transition deployed factories into steady-state operations • Collaborate with the Octopus Factory Systems team Externalization & Deployment • Support the deployment of Apex manufacturing systems across new sites, programs, or external partners • Participate in technical scoping and implementation planning for new manufacturing environments • Ensure successful transfer of systems, processes, and operational readiness Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement • Identify bottlenecks and drive simplification, standardization, and efficiency improvements • Establish KPIs and performance metrics across manufacturing systems • Implement continuous improvement loops across internal and replicated production environments Experience • 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, production systems, or industrial engineering • Proven experience scaling or standing up complex manufacturing operations (aerospace, defense, automotive, or high-reliability hardware) • Experience building or standardizing manufacturing systems across multiple lines, sites, or programs Technical & Operational Expertise • Deep understanding of manufacturing systems, production workflows, and factory design • Experience with high-reliability, mission-critical hardware production environments • Familiarity with supply chain integration, QA/QC systems, and production testing Leadership & Execution • Demonstrated ability to build systems in ambiguous, fast-paced environments • Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder alignment skills • Operates as a “systems thinker” who can connect strategy to execution Bonus Points • Experience in space or satellite manufacturing • Experience deploying manufacturing systems across multiple facilities or geographies • Exposure to MES, digital manufacturing, or factory automation #LI-JC1 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 D 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 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.