Associate 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

The Associate Manufacturing Engineer will support the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing methods and processes to sustain current production and support the introduction of new products. This role contributes to manufacturing readiness, process optimization, and the successful transition of products from design to production.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess new product concepts and designs for manufacturability, providing recommendations to R&D/Product Engineering.
• Develop methods and processes for manufacturing new products in the safest, most cost-effective manner while meeting quality standards and production demand.
• Conduct proof-of-principle or proof-of-concept studies to validate manufacturing approaches.
• Design detailed manufacturing processes, including layouts, tooling, fixtures, programming, testing, and documentation.
• Continuously improve existing production methods using Six Sigma methodologies and knowledge of product design, materials, fabrication processes, tooling, equipment capabilities, assembly techniques, and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot technical issues in current production and provide engineering support to operations.
• Participate in or lead Safety, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the qualification of new or modified products through manufacturing processes to final completion.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline OR 8 years of equivalent experience.

Experience

• 0–3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient with MS Office and CAD/CAM tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of tooling, gauging, Six Sigma principles, and capability studies.
• Experience in technical writing (procedures, work instructions).
• Exposure to process development and manufacturing engineering in aerospace or high-tech production.

Soft Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare instructions, procedures, and documentation.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Detail-oriented, structured, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Technology Stack

• MS Office Suite
• CAD/CAM software
• Manufacturing process design tools
• Data analysis or statistical process control tools (e.g., Minitab)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment.
• Ability to work on the production floor as needed, including standing, walking, and interacting with equipment.
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods.

This job description may not be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed based on 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.