Composite Materials Supplier Quality Engineer

astspacemobile; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) for composites to own supplier quality, ensure process robustness, material integrity, and regulatory compliance across the supplier base. The role emphasizes capability, risk mitigation, and supplier maturity with frequent presence at supplier facilities.

You will lead supplier qualification activities, perform FAI per AS9102, review material certifications, and support NDT activities such as UT, C-scan, RT, and thermography.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or related engineering field.
• 3–5 years of Supplier Quality Engineering experience in aerospace or space-grade composites.
• Hands-on involvement with composite NDT and acceptance criteria.
• Familiarity with ECSS/ESA/NASA or equivalent aerospace standards.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% and work on-site at supplier facilities.

Responsibilities

• Execute supplier quality performance monitoring throughout the lifecycle: development, qualification, and serial production.
• Support the qualification of new composite suppliers through capability assessments, readiness reviews, and audits.
• Conduct system, process, and special process audits, including composite layup, curing, machining, and bonding.
• Monitor supplier performance using scorecards, KPIs, and structured improvement roadmaps.
• Ensure control of composite manufacturing through monitoring of CPPs, KC s, process windows, and repeatability.
• Perform First Article Inspection (FAI) and process validation per AS9102 and AST SpaceMobile requirements.
• Identify and report supplier risks using PFMEA and process risk assessments.
• Review and approve material certifications, CoCs, process control plans, and quality records.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and internal standards.
• Provide technical support for NDT activities (UT, C-scan, RT, thermography) including results review against criteria.
• Assist in quality investigations (voids, delamination, bonding failures) and track CAPA implementation.
• Act as a quality liaison for composite suppliers.
• Advise internal stakeholders on supplier capabilities and process observations.
• Maintain knowledge of composite technologies (prepreg layup, resin infusion/RTM, autoclave and OOA curing).
• Up to 50% travel to supplier locations for direct oversight and verification.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Independent work

Detail-oriented

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or related Engineering field

Tools

PFMEA

AS9102

AS9100

NADCAP

NDT methods (UT, C-scan, RT, thermography)

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) for composites to own supplier quality, ensure process robustness, material integrity, and regulatory compliance across the supplier base. The role emphasizes capability, risk mitigation, and supplier maturity with frequent presence at supplier facilities.

You will lead supplier qualification activities, perform FAI per AS9102, review material certifications, and support NDT activities such as UT, C-scan, RT, and thermography.