Quality Inspector II, 2nd Shift, Site 2

AST SpaceMobile•Midland, TX

17d•Onsite

About The Position

AST SpaceMobile is seeking an experienced Quality Inspector II – Composites Integration to inspect and verify advanced composite structures, integrated assemblies, and avionics-related hardware used in satellite manufacturing. The role is based at the company’s satellite production facility in Midland, Texas, and full relocation is provided. The inspector independently evaluates aerospace-grade composite assemblies, identifies nonconformances, and ensures hardware meets engineering, manufacturing, and quality requirements throughout integration. The position performs advanced in-process and final inspections of composite structures, bonded assemblies, mechanical integrations, and avionics-related hardware. It works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Production Control, and Quality Engineering to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications, work instructions, inspection plans, and aerospace quality standards. The position supports a 2nd-shift schedule: Monday through Thursday, 6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., with a 10% shift differential and paid lunch and breaks. Pay is DOE. The company provides hands-on training and career growth opportunities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Minimum 4 years of quality inspection experience in aerospace, composites manufacturing, aviation, defense, satellite integration, spacecraft manufacturing, or a related high-reliability industry.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
Experience inspecting composite and mechanical assemblies.
Strong understanding of inspection methodologies and nonconformance reporting processes.
Proficiency with precision measurement and inspection equipment.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Ability to stand, walk, and perform inspections for extended periods; bend, kneel, reach, climb, and work around production hardware and tooling; and occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Ability to perform detailed visual inspections, including close-up and color differentiation tasks.
Must comply with PPE, ESD, contamination-control, and FOD-prevention requirements.

Nice To Haves

5+ years of aerospace quality inspection experience.
Experience with aerospace composites, carbon fiber structures, bonded assemblies, and structural integration.
Experience supporting satellite, spacecraft, aircraft, or defense manufacturing programs.
Knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems.
Familiarity with IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, or avionics inspection standards.
Experience performing First Article Inspections per AS9102.
Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Aviation Maintenance, or a related technical discipline.
Experience using ERP, MES, SAP, or electronic quality management systems.
Certification as Quality Inspector (CQI), CQA, or an equivalent quality credential.
Background in aerospace manufacturing, composite structures inspection, aircraft assembly and structures, satellite or spacecraft integration, avionics manufacturing, defense manufacturing, FAA repair stations, military aviation maintenance, or carbon fiber and advanced materials inspection.

Responsibilities

Perform detailed in-process inspections of composite structures, bonded assemblies, satellite hardware, avionics components, and mechanical integrations.
Verify compliance with engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, manufacturing travelers, work instructions, and inspection plans.
Inspect composite layups, cured components, bonded joints, inserts, fastener installations, and structural assemblies for dimensional and visual conformance.
Conduct receiving, in-process, First Article Inspection (FAI), and final acceptance inspections.
Review manufacturing documentation, inspection records, certifications, and supplier quality records for completeness and accuracy.
Use precision measuring equipment, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, pin gauges, and specialty inspection tools.
Verify proper use and calibration status of measurement and inspection equipment.
Identify, document, and process nonconforming material reports (NCMRs) and quality discrepancies.
Support root cause investigations and corrective action activities related to product nonconformances.
Perform inspections in accordance with AS9100 quality requirements and company procedures.
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Engineers, Integration Technicians, and Production teams to resolve quality issues.
Maintain accurate records and inspection documentation within electronic and manual quality systems.
Ensure compliance with ESD, contamination control, foreign object debris (FOD), and product protection requirements.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, process efficiency, and defect prevention.