Group Manager, Supplier Quality

The posting, as Apex Technology, Inc. wrote it

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 is seeking a Group Manager, Supplier Quality to lead the supplier quality organization within our Supply Chain team. This is a senior leadership role responsible for the quality, reliability, and continuous improvement of our supplier base as we scale production.

As a member of the Supply Chain leadership team, you will set the supplier quality strategy and lead the teams that carry it out, including supplier buyoffs, receiving inspection, root cause analysis, and quality resolution. Your leadership will directly impact our production line's ability to maintain flow, quality, and cost-efficiency.

This role needs both strategic thinking and operational discipline, along with a commitment to building strong supplier relationships in a fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the supplier quality organization, including managers, leads, and Supplier Quality Engineers, and build the team structure and hiring plan needed to support growth.
• Set the supplier quality strategy and own the results, supporting production rate increases, cost-reduction goals, and new product introductions.
• Own supplier buyoff, incoming inspection, and material review processes to ensure only conforming product reaches production.
• Define supplier quality metrics, dashboards, and goals for the organization, and drive continuous improvement based on the trends.
• Own the supplier audit and qualification program, including quality system assessments and product qualification.
• Set the approach for first article inspections, PPAPs, and qualification of new suppliers and materials, in partnership with Engineering and Quality.
• Hold the organization accountable for structured root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action on supplier-related non-conformances, and lead escalations on critical or recurring issues.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Production, and Program leadership to resolve quality issues that impact delivery, performance, or compliance.
• Lead supplier performance management, including s

[…]
-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.