Manufacturing Engineer (NPI & Tooling)

AST SpaceMobile; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is actively seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to drive development, optimization, and automation of production processes for high-reliability aerospace and automotive manufacturing. You will partner with design, quality, and operations teams to support NPI and scale production while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires extensive experience with Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, PFMEA, and automation, with hands-on CAD and PLC skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in automotive, aerospace, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• Experience in process automation, robotics, equipment design, or automated test systems.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
• Experience developing PFMEA, Control Plans, GD&T, and DFM/DFA practices.
• Hands-on CAD experience (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar).
• Familiarity with regulated manufacturing quality systems and standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Create and maintain process documentation including PFMEAs, control plans, process flow diagrams, and SOPs.
• Perform time studies, capacity modeling, and line balancing to improve throughput and efficiency.
• Lead Lean initiatives (5S, Kaizen, SMED, VSM) and drive improvements in cycle time, yield, and quality.
• Specify, design, and implement automated equipment, robotics, vision systems, PLC-based controls, and ATE.
• Partner with external vendors for equipment sourcing, installation, commissioning, and validation.
• Develop automation programming using PLCs, Python, LabVIEW, or similar tools.
• Conduct equipment capability studies including Gage R&R, MSA, Cp/Cpk, and validation protocols.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with IATF 16949, AS9100, ISO 9001, and related standards.
• Lead cross-functional NPI activities and ensure manufacturability and cost efficiency.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Root Cause Analysis

Cross-functional Collaboration

Shop Floor Support

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks/CATIA

PLC programming

Python/LabVIEW

ERP/MES systems

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 Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and automating production processes that support high-reliability automotive and aerospace manufacturing. This role drives end-to-end process design, equipment implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives to enable safe, repeatable, and efficient production. The engineer partners cross-functionally with design, quality, and operations teams to support new product introduction (NPI), improve manufacturability, and scale production capacity in regulated, quality-critical environments.

Key Responsibilities

Process Development & Optimization

• Develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Create and maintain process documentation including work instructions, PFMEAs, control plans, process flow diagrams, and SOPs.
• Perform time studies, capacity modeling, and line balancing to improve throughput and efficiency.
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks to ensure stable, repeatable production performance.

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Implement Lean methodologies including 5S, Kaizen, SMED, VSM, and structured root-cause problem solving.
• Drive improvements in cycle time, takt time, yield, and overall process quality.
• Support TPM initiatives and improve OEE metrics across production assets.
• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on waste reduction and operational excellence.

Automation & Equipment Engineering

• Specify, design, and implement automated equipment, robotics, vision systems, PLC-based controls, and automated test equipment (ATE).
• Partner with external vendors for equipment sourcing, installation, commissioning, and validation.
• Develop or support automation programming using PLCs, Python, LabVIEW, or similar tools.
• Conduct equipment capability studies including Gage R&R, MSA, Cp/Cpk, and validation protocols.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with IATF 16949, AS9100, ISO 9001, and related standards.
• Lead root cause investigations using 8D, fishbone, and 5-Why methodologies.
• Partner with Quality Engineering to implement robust process controls and improve first-pass yield.
• Maintain documentation and traceability in regulated production environments.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities from concept through production ramp.
• Lead DFM/DFA reviews to ensure manufacturability and cost efficiency.
• Coordinate with supply chain, production, and program teams to enable smooth launches and sustained operations.

Safety & Operational Excellence

• Ensure all processes meet safety, ergonomic, and environmental standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and support EHS initiatives.
• Provide hands-on technical support to shop floor teams to resolve production issues.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in automotive, aerospace, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience in process automation, robotics, equipment design, or automated test systems.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma tools, and continuous improvement.
• Experience developing PFMEA, Control Plans, GD&T application, and DFM/DFA practices.
• Hands-on experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar).
• Familiarity with regulated manufacturing quality systems and standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• PLC programming, robotics integration, or automation scripting experience.
• Experience in aerospace satellite assembly, automotive electronics, or precision manufacturing.
• Knowledge of ERP/MES systems and digital manufacturing platforms.
• Background in reliability engineering or environmental qualification testing.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder communication.
• Project management and prioritization skills in fast-paced production settings.
• Hands-on, solution-oriented mindset with strong ownership.

Technology Stack

• CAD: SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar
• Controls/Automation: PLCs, robotics systems, vision systems
• Programming/Scripting: Python, LabVIEW (or similar)
• Manufacturing Systems: ERP/MES platforms
• Quality/Analysis: MSA tools, Cp/Cpk, Lean/Six Sigma toolsets

Physical Requirements

• Frequent presence on production floor and manufacturing lines.
• Ability to work around automated equipment and testing systems.
• Occasional lifting, standing, and extended time in an industrial environment.

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.