--- title: 'Quality Inspector I, 1st Shift, Site 1 at AST SpaceMobile' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/quality-inspector-i-1st-shift-site-1-ast-spacemobile-midland-6942vyyf56vv' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-11-07' --- # Quality Inspector I, 1st Shift, Site 1 at AST SpaceMobile - **Company:** AST SpaceMobile - **Location:** Midland, TX - **Posted:** 2026-11-03 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-07 - **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4750073005 ## Job description 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 Quality Assurance Inspector I to support production by ensuring satellite components meet all quality and engineering requirements. This hands-on, detail-oriented role works closely with production and engineering teams to verify that in-process and finished products meet strict aerospace quality standards. ## Key Responsibilities - Perform in-process inspections of electrical and mechanical assemblies using technical drawings, CAD models, work instructions, and established processes. - Conduct detailed final inspections of finished products, including First Article Inspections (FAIs) and supplier documentation reviews. - Identify, document, and communicate product and process nonconformances in accordance with quality procedures. - Ensure compliance with Quality Management System (QMS) policies, procedures, and applicable standards. - Collaborate with Quality Engineers and cross-functional teams to resolve quality concerns. - Support multiple inspection assignments while adapting to changing production schedules. - Verify proper use and calibration status of measuring and inspection equipment. - Read, interpret, and follow technical drawings, specifications, work instructions, and inspection requirements. - Maintain accurate inspection records and documentation. - Adhere to PPE requirements, product protection procedures, company policies, and safety guidelines. - Support a clean, safe, and quality-focused manufacturing environment. Pay: DOE, Additional shift differentials apply for 2nd shift Shift Schedules - 1st Shift – Days: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (4x10 schedule) with paid lunch and breaks - 2nd Shift – Nights: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 p.m.–4:00 a.m. (4x10 schedule) with a 10% shift differential and paid lunch and breaks ## Qualifications Education - High School Diploma or GED required. - Associate degree in a technical, manufacturing, engineering, or related field preferred. ## Experience - Experience with quality assurance principles, inspection methods, and manufacturing processes. - Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and work instructions. - Experience documenting inspection results and providing quality dispositions. - Preferred: 3+ years of inspection experience in aerospace, aviation, military, or manufacturing environments. ## Preferred Qualifications - Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes and quality standards. - Experience conducting detailed inspections using blueprints, specifications, and precision measuring equipment. - Experience with electrical systems testing and inspection. - Familiarity with aerospace quality systems and compliance requirements. - First Article Inspection (FAI) experience. - Experience reviewing supplier documentation and certification packages. Soft Skills - Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. - Proven ability to collaborate with engineers, production personnel, and quality teams. - Strong organizational and time-management skills. - Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality standards. - Professionalism, consistency, and accountability in daily work activities. Technology Stack - CAD model viewing software. - Digital inspection and quality documentation systems. - Precision measuring instruments and test equipment. - Quality Management System (QMS) software. - Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook). - Technical drawings, specifications, and electronic work instructions. Physical Requirements - Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. - Ability to use hands and fingers for repetitive and precision tasks. - Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb, and balance as required. - Ability to communicate effectively through speaking and hearing. - Ability to work around large structures, tooling, and manufacturing equipment. - Ability to lift, push, and carry up to 15 pounds. - Ability to work near moving mechanical equipment. - Ability to work in confined or restricted spaces as needed. - Ability to work in environments that may include exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and hazardous materials such as carbon fiber. - Ability to wear required PPE, including gloves, smocks, and other protective equipment. AST SpaceMobile offers a unique opportunity to join one of the nation's most innovative satellite manufacturing organizations. If you are open to relocating to Midland, Texas, this position provides long-term career growth, advanced technical development, and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge space technology programs. This job description may not be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned, and the scope of the job may change based on business needs. 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) ## Other roles at AST SpaceMobile - [Director of Network Operations](https://feeny.ai/job/director-of-network-operations-ast-spacemobile-dallas-5r5xk5h5edrs) — Dallas, TX - [Director, Incident Management](https://feeny.ai/job/director-incident-management-ast-spacemobile-dallas-r51mv31zcvrz) — Dallas, TX - [CAD/PLM Admin](https://feeny.ai/job/cad-plm-admin-ast-spacemobile-barcelona-x0ps38jxmarg) — Barcelona, Spain - [Material Handler, 1st shift, Site 3](https://feeny.ai/job/material-handler-1st-shift-site-3-ast-spacemobile-midland-z29s78bnqq4k) — Midland, TX - [Custodian 4th Shift, Site 4](https://feeny.ai/job/custodian-4th-shift-site-4-ast-spacemobile-midland-ffwmhg87bqrm) — Midland, TX - [Custodian, 3rd Shift, Site 4](https://feeny.ai/job/custodian-3rd-shift-site-4-ast-spacemobile-midland-167h87t2yhxh) — Midland, TX - [Custodian, 3rd Shift, Site 2](https://feeny.ai/job/custodian-3rd-shift-site-2-ast-spacemobile-midland-4ebp0jkp04dr) — Midland, TX - [Custodian, 2nd Shift, Site 4](https://feeny.ai/job/custodian-2nd-shift-site-4-ast-spacemobile-midland-5hknwahszydw) — Midland, TX - [Production Control Associate, 4th Shift, Site 2](https://feeny.ai/job/production-control-associate-4th-shift-site-2-ast-spacemobile-midland-y1xkxvw06xy4) — Midland, TX - [Production Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/production-manager-ast-spacemobile-midland-dfbq556cerf6) — Midland, TX