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.

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.

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.