Composites Manufacturing Engineer

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 highly skilled CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) Manufacturing Engineer with a strong background in aerospace composite fabrication. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with Toray prepreg materials, CNC routing, bonding preparation, autoclave operations, composite curing, and has supported new facility startups as well as capital equipment specification and sourcing. This role will be instrumental in developing, optimizing, and scaling advanced composite manufacturing processes for aerospace applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for CFRP components using Toray prepreg systems.
• Lead or support new facility startups, including layout planning, utilities coordination, equipment selection, installation, and commissioning.
• Specify, source, validate, and maintain capital equipment such as autoclaves, CNC routers, ovens, and bonding tools.
• Program and operate CNC routers for precision trimming and drilling of composite structures.
• Oversee bonding preparation processes, including surface treatment, adhesive application, and cure cycle optimization.
• Manage autoclave operations, including recipe development, cycle optimization, and maintenance coordination.
• Apply expertise in composite curing processes - thermal profiles, pressure cycles, and material-specific requirements - to ensure optimal part quality and structural integrity.
• Create and maintain detailed work instructions, process documentation, and tooling specifications.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to ensure manufacturability and compliance with aerospace standards.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions to improve yield, reduce scrap, and enhance overall process efficiency.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI), continuous improvement activities, and lean/Six Sigma initiatives.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of aerospace composite manufacturing experience, specifically with CFRP.
• Demonstrated expertise with Toray prepreg materials including handling, layup, and curing.
• Proficiency in CNC routing, fixture design, and CAM programming for composite materials.
• Strong knowledge of adhesive bonding preparation and techniques. Hands-on experience with autoclave operations and composite curing cycles.
• Proven experience supporting new facility setup, equipment layout, and process commissioning.
• Demonstrated ability to specify, procure, and validate capital equipment for composite manufacturing.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk, or Mastercam. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Additional Required Training & Certifications

• TTI Environmental Engineering Specialist Certificate with emphasis on vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum test procedures.
• ISO 17025 familiarity or laboratory accreditation experience.
• Training in MIL-STD and NASA standards such as MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1540, and NASA-STD-7002B.
• ITAR Compliance Training.

Preferred / Optional Certifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Six Sigma or Lean certification.
• LabVIEW or DAQ system certification.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and production.
• Excellent technical writing and documentation capabilities.
• Highly skilled in troubleshooting complex manufacturing challenges.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality results.
• Effective organizational and project management abilities.

Technology Stack

• Experience with CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, or Mastercam.
• Familiarity with CNC programming interfaces and routing systems.
• Use of manufacturing documentation tools and digital recordkeeping systems.
• Knowledge of autoclave control systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition tools.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment around machinery, ovens, and autoclaves.
• Ability to occasionally lift 35–50 lbs depending on tooling or material needs.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform hands-on work for extended periods.

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.