Senior Product Operations Manager, Factory X

About the role

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 standing up new satellite production factories with partners, including additional U.S. and international factories. As the Senior Product Operations Manager for Factory X, you will run that day to day. You will own the master schedule across factories, prepare and deploy the training teams that stand up each site, and support program execution until each factory is fully on contract and handed to a dedicated Mission Manager. You will work closely with the Sr. Director of Factory Deployment, and with Production, Supply Chain, Export, HR, and Training.

Responsibilities

• Own the master schedule across all factories, building and maintaining detailed project schedules from Apex and partner inputs, and stagger project kickoffs so the deployment team stays at a steady, sustainable pace
• Track partner facility and construction timelines, and trigger the right actions from Export, Supply Chain, and Production when dates move
• Spot schedule conflicts, risks, and dependencies early, and keep leadership informed with clear options, regular status, and recommended resolutions
• Run the train-the-trainer effort so trained deployment teams are ready the moment each factory build is complete
• Own the logistics for deployed teams, including visas, housing, relocation, travel, and day-to-day operational needs
• Partner with HR, Export, and functional leadership to put the right people in the right place at the right time, managing a comprehensive resource plan throughout the portfolio
• Support the Sr. Director on program execution across sites as partners move through standup, build, and ramp until it reaches steady-state production and transitions to its dedicated mission manager and sustainment team

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of experience in program management, operations, or manufacturing
• Proven experience building and owning schedules across multiple projects or sites at once.
• Experience coordinating across many teams and outside partners, with no direct authority over them.
• Comfortable managing logistics for people moving between sites, including relocation, housing, and travel.
• Strong written and verbal communication. You can give leaders a clear status and are comfortable briefing various levels of internal and external stakeholders.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and willing to get hands-on in a fast-growing company.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Preferred

• Experience standing up or scaling a factory, production line, or new site.
• Experience with international deployments, including work with export controls or global mobility.
• Experience working with visa and immigration processes alongside HR or legal teams.
• Experience with training or workforce readiness programs.
• Background in space, defense, or other regulated industries.
• PMP or similar certification.

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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.