Manufacturing Engineer (NPI & Tooling)
AST SpaceMobile· Telecommunications· Feb 20, 2026 · 8mo agoPosted 249 days ago
Midland, Texas, United States
In office
Full-time
Principal
$133K–$210K est.
10+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since February 20, 2026 — 249 days, and still accepting applications.
Job description
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.
Key Responsibilities
Process Development & Optimization
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.
Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
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.
Automation & Equipment Engineering
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.
Quality & Compliance
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.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
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.
Safety & Operational Excellence
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.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
Experience
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.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Soft Skills
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.
Technology Stack
CAD: SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar
Controls/Automation: PLCs, robotics systems, vision systems
Programming/Scripting: Python, LabVIEW (or similar)
Manufacturing Systems: ERP/MES platforms
Quality/Analysis: MSA tools, Cp/Cpk, Lean/Six Sigma toolsets
Physical Requirements
Frequent presence on production floor and manufacturing lines.
Ability to work around automated equipment and testing systems.
Occasional lifting, standing, and extended time in an industrial environment.
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.
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Keywords to mirror
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