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About the job

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to develop, evaluate, and continuously improve manufacturing methods and processes that sustain production of existing products while enabling efficient introduction of new products. This role partners closely with Product Engineering and Operations to ensure manufacturability, safety, quality, scalability, and cost efficiency across production programs. The ideal candidate brings strong process engineering fundamentals, hands-on problem solving, and continuous improvement experience within a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Assess new product concepts and designs for manufacturability and provide recommendations to R&D/Product Engineering

Develop and implement manufacturing methods and processes that meet safety, quality, cost, and schedule objectives

Conduct proof-of-principle and proof-of-concept studies for new processes and technologies

Perform detailed process design including layouts, tooling, fixturing, programming, testing, and documentation

Continuously improve production methods using Six Sigma and Lean methodologies

Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues impacting production performance

Lead or participate in Safety, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualify new or modified products and processes through validation and production readiness

Create and maintain work instructions, process procedures, and technical documentation

Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to ensure manufacturing readiness

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering OR

8+ years of equivalent manufacturing engineering experience

Experience

Associate Level: 0–3 years of manufacturing environment experience

Mid-Level: 3+ years of manufacturing environment experience

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with pFMEA, Lean Manufacturing, and Kaizen events

Experience working in liaison or concurrent engineering environments

Experience with robotic or automated manufacturing equipment

Demonstrated history of process optimization and new process design using Six Sigma principles

Black Belt Six Sigma (DMAIC) certification

Experience with AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar CAD tools

Experience with ERP/MES/PLM systems (e.g., Solumina, NetSuite, Fusion 360)

Soft Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Effective verbal and written communication

Technical writing capability for procedures and work instructions

Strong organizational and project management skills

Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced production environment

Leadership mindset with continuous improvement focus

Technology Stack

Microsoft Office Suite

CAD/CAM tools

Tooling and fixture design systems

Gauging and capability study tools

ERP/MES/PLM systems (Solumina, NetSuite, Fusion 360 or equivalent)

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in a manufacturing/production environment

Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout production areas for extended periods

Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 lbs

Ability to use standard manufacturing and computer equipment

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.