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
The Senior Quality Inspector is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance in the production of Cover Glass Integrated Solar Cells used in spacecraft. This role involves performing advanced inspections, monitoring process controls, interpreting technical requirements, and mentoring junior inspectors to maintain product reliability in accordance with aerospace and space industry standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform in-process, first-article, and final inspections of Cover Glass Integrated Solar Cells (CICs) and subassemblies in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
- Verify precision alignment, bonding, attachment, and cleanliness of cover glass components under cleanroom and ESD-protected environments.
- Review and interpret quality documentation, work instructions, drawings, and inspection criteria, ensuring compliance with space industry standards (e.g., ECSS, NASA, IPC, MIL-STD).
- Conduct inspections using specialized tools such as microscopes, optical comparators, profilometers, and metrology equipment.
- Identify, document, and report non-conformances, supporting root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) implementation.
- Ensure lot traceability, material certifications, and inspection records are accurate and complete for flight hardware.
- Collaborate with process engineers and manufacturing teams to resolve quality issues and improve inspection methodologies.
- Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior inspectors and technicians on inspection best practices.
- Support internal and external audits, customer reviews, and source inspections.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product yield, reliability, and process efficiency.
Qualifications
- Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Quality Assurance, or equivalent experience.
- Experience: 5+ years in quality inspection or quality assurance, preferably in aerospace or space hardware production.
- Strong understanding of aerospace quality standards (ECSS, NASA-STD, IPC-A-610/620, AS9100).
- Hands-on experience with precision inspection tools, microscopes, and metrology equipment.
- Proficiency in reading engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
- Experience with cleanroom protocols, contamination control, and ESD requirements.
- Excellent documentation skills with familiarity in digital quality management systems (QMS) and ERP/MRP systems.
- Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Skills
- IPC or NASA Workmanship Standards certification (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC-A-620, NASA 8739 series).
- Familiarity with solar cell manufacturing, semiconductor processes, or optical coatings.
- Experience with non-destructive inspection techniques.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma quality tools.
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.