Supplier Quality Engineer

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 Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) - Composite Materials responsible for supplier quality ownership of composite materials and components, ensuring process robustness, material integrity, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the supply base.

This role emphasizes process capability, risk mitigation, and supplier maturity. The SQE will participate in supplier qualification, process validation, and technical quality assessments, acting as a primary interface between suppliers, engineering, manufacturing, NDT, and program quality to ensure reliable and repeatable composite manufacturing. The role requires a hands-on approach with frequent presence at supplier facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute supplier quality performance monitoring throughout the lifecycle: development, qualification, and serial production.
• Support the qualification of new composite suppliers through capability assessments, readiness reviews, and audits.
• Conduct system, process, and special process audits, including composite layup, curing, machining, and bonding.
• Monitor supplier performance using scorecards, KPIs, and structured improvement roadmaps.
• Ensure control of composite manufacturing through monitoring of Critical Process Parameters (CPPs), Key Characteristics (KCs), process windows, and repeatability.
• Perform First Article Inspection (FAI) and process validation per AS9102 and AST SpaceMobile requirements.
• Identify and report supplier risks using PFMEA and process risk assessments.
• Review and approve material certifications, CoCs, process control plans, and quality records.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and internal standards.
• Provide technical support for NDT activities (UT, C-scan, RT, thermography), including results review against defined criteria.
• Assist in quality technical investigations (voids, delamination, bonding failures) and track root cause and CAPA implementation.
• Act as a quality liaison for composite suppliers.
• Advise internal stakeholders on supplier capabilities and process observations.
• Maintain knowledge of composite technologies, including prepreg layup, resin infusion/RTM, autoclave and OOA curing.
• Up to 50% of the time will be spent traveling to and working on-site at supplier locations to ensure direct oversight and process verification.

Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent.

Experience:
A minimum of 3-5 years of Supplier Quality Engineering experience, with knowledge of composite materials and special processes.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in aerospace or space-grade composite structures.
• Hands-on involvement with composite NDT and acceptance criteria.
• Familiarity with ECSS / ESA / NASA or equivalent aerospace standards.
• Experience with high-reliability or safety-critical products.

Soft Skills:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a supplier-facing environment.
• Detail-oriented and hands-on approach.
• Strong interpersonal skills for frequent supplier interaction.
• Ability to manage multiple suppliers and prioritize field tasks.
• Data-driven, process-oriented approach to quality.

Technology Stack:
• PFMEA
• AS9102
• AS9100
• NADCAP
• NDT methods including UT, C-scan, RT, and thermography

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment.
• Frequent presence at supplier facilities.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time and work on-site at supplier locations.
• Ability to work in the office as required.

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.