Composites Manufacturing Specialist Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile seeks a Composites Manufacturing Specialist Engineer to support the development, qualification, and continuous improvement of composite manufacturing processes and materials. This role focuses on hand lay-up prepregs, process documentation, and supplier collaboration for both new and existing parts.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in composite manufacturing, with aerospace exposure preferred, and strong problem solving and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or higher in engineering disciplines related to composites.
• 3+ years of experience in composite manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop specifications for hand lay-up prepreg parts.
• Define routing sheets for prepreg parts per specs.
• Control prepreg handling, out-time tracking, storage, lot traceability.
• Lead new part qualification with first-article builds and inspections.
• Develop and validate new layup configurations, cure cycles, bagging techniques.
• Coordinate with material and process suppliers for evaluations.
• Support transitions to automated manufacturing processes (AFP).
• Maintain routing sheets and work instructions for parts and processes.
• Define ply kit requirements from engineering ply books.
• Provide disposition on non-conformances and corrective actions.
• Document lessons learned and update work instructions as needed.

Education

Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Materials Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Prepreg composite manufacturing

Hand lay-up

AFP (Automated Fiber Placement)

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Composites Manufacturing Specialist Engineer to support the development, qualification, and continuous improvement of composite manufacturing processes and materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop engineering specifications for hand lay-up processes of prepreg parts.
• Define routing sheets for prepreg parts per engineering specifications.
• Establish and control prepreg material handling requirements, including out-time tracking, storage conditions, lot traceability, and shelf-life control.
• Lead new part qualification by defining first-article build plans, process documentation, and supporting qualification inspections.
• Develop and validate new manufacturing processes, including layup configurations, cure cycles, and bagging techniques, prior to production release.
• Follow up with new material and process suppliers, defining evaluation criteria, overseeing sample testing, and verifying conformance to specifications.
• Support the transition and qualification of automated manufacturing processes (AFP), including comparison against manual processes.
• Define and maintain routing sheets and work instructions for new and existing parts and processes.
• Define ply kit requirements based on engineering ply books and layup sequences.
• Provide engineering disposition on SCSRs and non-conformances, including containment and corrective action follow-up.
• Document lessons learned and update work instructions as new parts, processes, or suppliers are qualified.

Education

• Aerospace Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering

Experience

A minimum of 3 years of experience in composite manufacturing, depending on seniority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience in the aerospace sector.

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Technology Stack

• Prepreg composite manufacturing processes.
• Hand lay-up processes.
• Automated Fiber Placement (AFP).
• Engineering specifications and routing sheets.
• Work instructions and process documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work with composite materials and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to review manufacturing documentation and engineering specifications.

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.