Composites Manufacturing Specialist 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 Composites Manufacturing Specialist Engineer to support the development, qualification, and continuous improvement of composite manufacturing processes and materials.

Key Responsibilities:

· Develop engineering specifications for hand lay-up processes of prepreg parts.
· Define routing sheets for prepreg parts per engineering specifications.
· Establish and control prepreg material handling requirements, including out-time tracking, storage conditions, lot traceability, and shelf-life control.
· Lead new part qualification by defining first-article build plans, process documentation, and supporting qualification inspections.
· Develop and validate new manufacturing processes, including layup configurations, cure cycles, and bagging techniques, prior to production release.
· Follow up with new material and process suppliers, defining evaluation criteria, overseeing sample testing, and verifying conformance to specifications.
· Support the transition and qualification of automated manufacturing processes (AFP), including comparison against manual processes.
· Define and maintain routing sheets and work instructions for new and existing parts and processes.
· Define ply kit requirements based on engineering ply books and layup sequences.
· Provide engineering disposition on SCSRs and non-conformances, including containment and corrective action follow-up.
· Document lessons learned and update work instructions as new parts, processes, or suppliers are qualified.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in:

· Aerospace Engineering
· Mechanical Engineering
· Materials Engineering
· Manufacturing Engineering

Experience:

A minimum of 3 years of experience in composite manufacturing, depending on seniority.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
· Experience in the aerospace sector.

Soft Skills:

· Strong problem-solving skills.
· Excellent attention to detail.
· Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills.
· Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Technology Stack:

· Prepreg composite manufacturing processes.
· Hand lay-up processes.
· Automated Fiber Placement (AFP).
· Engineering specifications and routing sheets.
· Work instructions and process documentation.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to work with composite materials and manufacturing processes.
· Ability to use a computer for extended periods.
· Ability to review manufacturing documentation and engineering specifications.

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.