Technical Excellence 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 Manufacturing Engineer to develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods and processes that support both the ongoing production of existing products and the successful introduction of new products. This role is responsible for driving process improvements, optimizing equipment performance, supporting capital projects, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess new product concepts and designs for manufacturability and provide recommendations to R&D and Product Engineering teams.
• Develop manufacturing methods and processes that achieve safety, quality, cost, and production objectives.
• Conduct proof-of-principle and proof-of-concept studies.
• Design and implement manufacturing processes, including layouts, tooling, fixturing, programming, testing, and documentation.
• Continuously improve production methods using Six Sigma methodologies and engineering best practices.
• Provide technical expertise and troubleshooting support for manufacturing operations
• Participate in and lead Safety, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Qualify new and modified products through all phases of the manufacturing process. Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to eliminate production losses.
• Train operations personnel on new processes, procedures, and protocols.
• Develop and maintain equipment lifecycle plans, including installation, qualification, maintenance, upgrades, commissioning, validation, and acceptance testing.
• Lead equipment capability assessments and identify production bottlenecks.
• Support commissioning, validation, and acceptance testing of new production equipment.
• Lead data-driven improvement projects focused on reducing downtime and increasing process capacity.
• Drive process optimization initiatives to improve machine utilization and reduce cycle times.
• Define and execute equipment improvement roadmaps aligned with operational goals.
• Evaluate automation opportunities and develop business cases for capital investments.
• Manage capital equipment projects from concept through implementation, including scope, budget, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and New Product Introduction (NPI) teams to execute improvement projects.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Associate Level: 0-3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Mid-Level: Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Senior Level: 4-8 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with manufacturing processes, tooling, fixturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, CAD/CAM software, and advanced Microsoft Excel functions.
• Knowledge of statistics, capability studies, tooling, gauging, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience creating technical documentation, work instructions, process procedures, and training materials.
• Strong organizational, project management, and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PFMEA and Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Knowledge of Core Quality Tools, including Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and PFMEA.
• Experience working in a liaison or concurrent engineering environment.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar CAD software.
• Experience with ERP, MES, and PLM systems, including NetSuite, Solumina, and Fusion 360.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations utilizing robotic equipment.
• Demonstrated success implementing process improvements and designing new manufacturing processes using Six Sigma principles.
• Six Sigma Black Belt (DMAIC) certification.

Soft Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership abilities.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management capabilities.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills.
• Ability to drive change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Technology Stack

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• CAD/CAM Software
• AutoCAD
• Autodesk Inventor
• Fusion 360
• NetSuite ERP
• Solumina MES
• PLM Systems
• Statistical Analysis Tools
• Six Sigma Methodologies and Quality Tools

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout production facilities for extended periods.
• Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials, tools, or equipment as needed.
• Ability to safely work around manufacturing equipment and machinery while following all safety protocols.
• Ability to travel between production areas and participate in on-site equipment evaluations and project activities.

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.