Senior Space Hardware Quality Inspector

AST & Science, LLC; Homestead (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Senior Quality Inspector to ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance in the production of Cover Glass Integrated Solar Cells used in spacecraft.

You will perform advanced inspections, interpret technical requirements, mentor junior inspectors, and support audits, while collaborating with process engineers and manufacturing teams to improve yield and reliability.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of quality inspection or quality assurance experience, preferably in aerospace or space hardware.
• Strong understanding of aerospace quality standards (ECSS, NASA-STD, IPC-A-610/620, AS9100).
• Experience with precision inspection tools, microscopes, and metrology equipment.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Familiarity with cleanroom protocols, contamination control, and ESD requirements.
• Experience with digital QMS and ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-process, first-article, and final inspections of Cover Glass Integrated Solar Cells (CICs) and subassemblies in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Verify precision alignment, bonding, attachment, and cleanliness of cover glass components under cleanroom and ESD-protected environments.
• Review and interpret quality documentation, work instructions, drawings, and inspection criteria, ensuring compliance with space industry standards (e.g., ECSS, NASA-STD, IPC-A-610/620, AS9100).
• Conduct inspections using specialized tools such as microscopes, optical comparators, profilometers, and metrology equipment.
• Identify, document, and report non-conformances, supporting root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) implementation.
• Ensure lot traceability, material certifications, and inspection records are accurate and complete for flight hardware.
• Collaborate with process engineers and manufacturing teams to resolve quality issues and improve inspection methodologies.
• Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior inspectors and technicians on inspection best practices.
• Support internal and external audits, customer reviews, and source inspections.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product yield, reliability, and process efficiency.

Skills

Aerospace quality inspection

Aerospace quality standards knowledge

Precision inspection tools

Reading drawings and GD&T

Cleanroom/ESD protocols

QMS/ERP/MRP documentation

Communication and problem solving

Education

Engineering Technology or Quality Assurance degree

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Senior Quality Inspector to ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance in the production of Cover Glass Integrated Solar Cells used in spacecraft.

You will perform advanced inspections, interpret technical requirements, mentor junior inspectors, and support audits, while collaborating with process engineers and manufacturing teams to improve yield and reliability.