Associate Manufacturing Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking an Associate Manufacturing Engineer to support manufacturing methods and processes for current production and new products. You will help ensure manufacturability, safety, cost-effectiveness, and quality as products transition from design to production.

The role requires collaboration across R&D, Product Engineering, and Operations, with Six Sigma-driven process improvements and documentation of layouts, tooling, and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Industrial/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related discipline or 8 years of equivalent experience.
• 0–3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient with MS Office and CAD/CAM tools.

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 a safe, 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.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Industrial/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related discipline

Tools

MS Office

CAD/CAM

Process design tools

Minitab / Statistical tools

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

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.

Qualifications

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.