AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to develop, evaluate, and continuously improve manufacturing methods and processes that sustain production of existing products while enabling efficient introduction of new products. This role partners closely with Product Engineering and Operations to ensure manufacturability, safety, quality, scalability, and cost efficiency across production programs. The ideal candidate brings strong process engineering fundamentals, hands-on problem solving, and continuous improvement experience within a manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess new product concepts and designs for manufacturability and provide recommendations to R&D/Product Engineering
- Develop and implement manufacturing methods and processes that meet safety, quality, cost, and schedule objectives
- Conduct proof-of-principle and proof-of-concept studies for new processes and technologies
- Perform detailed process design including layouts, tooling, fixturing, programming, testing, and documentation
- Continuously improve production methods using Six Sigma and Lean methodologies
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues impacting production performance
- Lead or participate in Safety, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Qualify new or modified products and processes through validation and production readiness
- Create and maintain work instructions, process procedures, and technical documentation
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to ensure manufacturing readiness
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering
OR
- 8+ years of equivalent manufacturing engineering experience
Experience
- Associate Level: 0–3 years of manufacturing environment experience
- Mid-Level: 3+ years of manufacturing environment experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with pFMEA, Lean Manufacturing, and Kaizen events
- Experience working in liaison or concurrent engineering environments
- Experience with robotic or automated manufacturing equipment
- Demonstrated history of process optimization and new process design using Six Sigma principles
- Black Belt Six Sigma (DMAIC) certification
- Experience with AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar CAD tools
- Experience with ERP/MES/PLM systems (e.g., Solumina, NetSuite, Fusion 360)
Soft Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Technical writing capability for procedures and work instructions
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced production environment
- Leadership mindset with continuous improvement focus
Technology Stack
- Microsoft Office Suite
- CAD/CAM tools
- Tooling and fixture design systems
- Gauging and capability study tools
- ERP/MES/PLM systems (Solumina, NetSuite, Fusion 360 or equivalent)
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a manufacturing/production environment
- Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout production areas for extended periods
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 lbs
- Ability to use standard manufacturing and computer equipment
This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.
AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, 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.