---
title: 'Lead Manufacturing Engineer at AST SpaceMobile'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/lead-manufacturing-engineer-ast-spacemobile-homestead-florida-bmhwhc48vpas'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-12'
---

# Lead Manufacturing Engineer at AST SpaceMobile

- **Company:** AST SpaceMobile
- **Location:** Homestead Florida, United States
- **Posted:** 2025-09-05
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12
- **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4605917005

## 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 Summary:

The Lead Manufacturing Engineer / Manufacturing Engineering Manager will oversee and optimize manufacturing processes for the Cover Glass Integrated Solar Cell (CIC) production line. This role focuses on improving yield, throughput, process reliability, and equipment efficiency and managing production line personnel. This position will lead cross-functional teams, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

- Process Development & Optimization:
- Lead development, qualification, and scaling of processes for cover glass lamination, laser cutting, interconnect integration, and solar cell encapsulation.
- Implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles for new product introductions (NPI).
- Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for process deviations and yield loss.
- Production Support:
- Provide hands-on technical support to resolve day-to-day production issues across the CGISC line.
- Maintain and improve key process parameters (KPPs) to ensure consistent quality and throughput.
- Lead troubleshooting and failure analysis of mechanical and process equipment.
- Equipment & Tooling:
- Specify, procure, and qualify production equipment and fixtures.
- Collaborate with equipment vendors for installation, calibration, and maintenance strategies.
- Leadership & Collaboration:
- Lead engineering teams and mentor junior engineers and technicians.
- Interface with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance to align manufacturing goals with broader company objectives.
- Lean & Continuous Improvement:
- Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and SPC methods to reduce waste and improve line efficiency.
- Develop and sustain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions.
- Data & Reporting:
- Analyze process data to monitor trends, detect abnormalities, and drive decisions.
- Generate technical documentation, process maps, and reports for stakeholders.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
- 5–10 years of experience in high-tech manufacturing, preferably in photovoltaic, semiconductor, or display panel industries.
- Strong knowledge of glass processing, solar module assembly, laser operations, or thin-film technology.
- Experience with statistical analysis tools (JMP, Minitab), MES systems, and CAD software, or similar.
- Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional project management and production scaling.

Preferred Skills:

- Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or similar quality/environmental standards.
- Knowledge of automation systems, robotics, and cleanroom manufacturing.
- Hands-on experience with FMEA, DOE, and SPC implementation.

Work Environment:

- Split between cleanroom manufacturing floor and engineering office.
- Occasional travel to vendor or partner facilities as required.
- Occasional off-hours support for shift operations or emergencies.

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.

## About AST SpaceMobile

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard, unmodified smartphones.
- **Entity Type**: Public (Nasdaq: ASTS)
- **Headquarters**: Midland, Texas, USA
- **Founded**: 2017
- **Founders**: Abel Avellan

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Space-based telecommunications / Satellite broadband
- **Target customers**: B2B (mobile network operators), B2C (indirectly through MNOs), and government/defense agencies
- **Mission**: To eliminate connectivity gaps faced by today’s nearly six billion mobile subscribers and bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected using a space-based cellular network.

## Products & Services
- **[SpaceMobile Network]**: A space-based cellular broadband network that delivers 4G/5G connectivity directly to standard smartphones without any hardware modifications, apps, or software updates.
- **[BlueBird Satellites]**: The company’s commercial satellite constellation, designed to provide full broadband coverage globally. BlueBird satellites are among the largest commercial communications arrays in low Earth orbit.
- **[BlueWalker 3]**: The prototype satellite used to demonstrate world-first voice, 5G, and video calls from space to ordinary phones.
- **[Government & Defense Solutions]**: Tailored connectivity for tactical and public safety applications (e.g., FirstNet tests, government contracts).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Market capitalization exceeded $8 billion as of August 2024 (stock price ~$38.60). More recent figures are not publicly available but the company has raised over $2 billion as of Q2 2025.
- **Key Metric (Total Funding)**: Over $2 billion raised (debt and equity) as of Q2 2025.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Vodafone, Rakuten, American Tower, Samsung Next, Cisneros, Google (product partnership), AT&T, Verizon, FirstNet Authority.
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Partnerships with nearly 60 mobile network operators covering ~3 billion combined subscribers.
  - Successfully completed first VoLTE voice calls, video calls, and 5G data connections using standard smartphones via satellite.
  - First public safety tests on FirstNet (Jan 2024) and first activation for government defense use cases (June 2025).
  - Commercial contract with Vodafone through 2034 for Europe and Africa.
  - 578 employees as of 2024; expanding manufacturing and office footprint globally.

## Competitive Advantages
- **First-mover**: Only company offering direct-to-smartphone satellite broadband with no specialized hardware or software required.
- **Patent Moat**: Over 3,800 patents and pending claims protecting proprietary technology.
- **MNO Integration**: Deep partnerships with major global operators enable seamless integration with existing terrestrial networks.
- **Satellite Scale**: BlueBird satellites feature large phased-array antennas (BlueWalker 3 array is 693 sq ft), providing a field of view over 300,000 sq miles.

## Strategic Focus
- **Constellation Deployment**: Rapidly launching and operationalizing the BlueBird satellite fleet to start generating significant commercial revenue.
- **Global Coverage Expansion**: Targeting full service across multiple continents, with a focus on remote and underserved regions.
- **Government & Defense**: Broadening contracts for secure, tactical connectivity.
- **Technology Advancement**: Continued R&D on next-generation satellite capabilities and network optimization.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Fast-growing company with a startup mindset; employees are encouraged to wear many hats and tackle meaningful challenges.
- **Global Presence**: Offices in Midland (TX), Homestead (FL), Miami (FL), Lanham (MD), Tel Aviv, Barcelona, Edinburgh, Hyderabad, and other locations.
- **Impact**: Opportunity to work on a historic transformation in global connectivity, directly connecting billions of people.
- **Perks & Environment**: Nearly 500,000 sq ft of manufacturing and office facilities; emphasis on innovation, autonomy, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- **Career Growth**: Open positions listed on Greenhouse; values proactive, passionate innovators.

## Sources
1. [AST SpaceMobile Official Website](https://ast-science.com)
2. [AST SpaceMobile Company Page](https://ast-science.com/company/)
3. [AST SpaceMobile Careers Page](https://ast-science.com/company/careers/)
4. [AST SpaceMobile Investor Relations](https://investors.ast-science.com/)
5. [Wikipedia – AST SpaceMobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AST_SpaceMobile)

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