Manufacturing Engineer (NPI & Tooling)

AST SpaceMobile•Midland, TX

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 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.