NPI & Tooling Manufacturing Engineer (Automation)

AST SpaceMobile

Midland (TX)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 180,000

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

Get a reply from this employer — a resume and cover letter tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.

Get past ATS filters

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.