Composites Manufacturing Engineer

AST SpaceMobile•Midland, TX

11d

About The Position

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 We are seeking a highly skilled CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) Manufacturing Engineer with a strong background in aerospace composite fabrication. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with Toray prepreg materials, CNC routing, bonding preparation, autoclave operations, composite curing, and has supported new facility startups as well as capital equipment specification and sourcing. This role will be instrumental in developing, optimizing, and scaling advanced composite manufacturing processes for aerospace applications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of aerospace composite manufacturing experience, specifically with CFRP.
Demonstrated expertise with Toray prepreg materials including handling, layup, and curing.
Proficiency in CNC routing, fixture design, and CAM programming for composite materials.
Strong knowledge of adhesive bonding preparation and techniques.
Hands-on experience with autoclave operations and composite curing cycles.
Proven experience supporting new facility setup, equipment layout, and process commissioning.
Demonstrated ability to specify, procure, and validate capital equipment for composite manufacturing.
Proficiency in CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk, or Mastercam.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
TTI Environmental Engineering Specialist Certificate with emphasis on vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum test procedures.
ISO 17025 familiarity or laboratory accreditation experience.
Training in MIL-STD and NASA standards such as MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1540, and NASA-STD-7002B.
ITAR Compliance Training.

Nice To Haves

Project Management Professional (PMP).
Six Sigma or Lean certification.
LabVIEW or DAQ system certification.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and production.
Excellent technical writing and documentation capabilities.
Highly skilled in troubleshooting complex manufacturing challenges.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality results.
Effective organizational and project management abilities.
Experience with CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, or Mastercam.
Familiarity with CNC programming interfaces and routing systems.
Use of manufacturing documentation tools and digital recordkeeping systems.
Knowledge of autoclave control systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition tools.

Responsibilities

Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for CFRP components using Toray prepreg systems.
Lead or support new facility startups, including layout planning, utilities coordination, equipment selection, installation, and commissioning.
Specify, source, validate, and maintain capital equipment such as autoclaves, CNC routers, ovens, and bonding tools.
Program and operate CNC routers for precision trimming and drilling of composite structures.
Oversee bonding preparation processes, including surface treatment, adhesive application, and cure cycle optimization.
Manage autoclave operations, including recipe development, cycle optimization, and maintenance coordination.
Apply expertise in composite curing processes—thermal profiles, pressure cycles, and material-specific requirements—to ensure optimal part quality and structural integrity.
Create and maintain detailed work instructions, process documentation, and tooling specifications.
Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to ensure manufacturability and compliance with aerospace standards.
Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions to improve yield, reduce scrap, and enhance overall process efficiency.
Support New Product Introduction (NPI), continuous improvement activities, and lean/Six Sigma initiatives.