--- title: 'Technical Excellence Manufacturing Engineer at AST SpaceMobile' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/technical-excellence-manufacturing-engineer-ast-spacemobile-midland-c9xatbgbnvhm' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-17' --- # Technical Excellence Manufacturing Engineer at AST SpaceMobile - **Company:** AST SpaceMobile - **Location:** Midland, TX - **Posted:** 2026-08-13 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-17 - **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4723939005 ## 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 We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods and processes that support both the ongoing production of existing products and the successful introduction of new products. This role is responsible for driving process improvements, optimizing equipment performance, supporting capital projects, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing operations. Key Responsibilities: - Assess new product concepts and designs for manufacturability and provide recommendations to R&D and Product Engineering teams. - Develop manufacturing methods and processes that achieve safety, quality, cost, and production objectives. - Conduct proof-of-principle and proof-of-concept studies. - Design and implement manufacturing processes, including layouts, tooling, fixturing, programming, testing, and documentation. - Continuously improve production methods using Six Sigma methodologies and engineering best practices. - Provide technical expertise and troubleshooting support for manufacturing operations - Participate in and lead Safety, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives. - Qualify new and modified products through all phases of the manufacturing process. Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to eliminate production losses. - Train operations personnel on new processes, procedures, and protocols. - Develop and maintain equipment lifecycle plans, including installation, qualification, maintenance, upgrades, commissioning, validation, and acceptance testing. - Lead equipment capability assessments and identify production bottlenecks. - Support commissioning, validation, and acceptance testing of new production equipment. - Lead data-driven improvement projects focused on reducing downtime and increasing process capacity. - Drive process optimization initiatives to improve machine utilization and reduce cycle times. - Define and execute equipment improvement roadmaps aligned with operational goals. - Evaluate automation opportunities and develop business cases for capital investments. - Manage capital equipment projects from concept through implementation, including scope, budget, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder communication. - Coordinate cross-functional teams including Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and New Product Introduction (NPI) teams to execute improvement projects. ## Qualifications Education: - Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience: - Associate Level: 0-3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment. - Mid-Level: Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment. - Senior Level: 4-8 years of experience in a manufacturing environment. - Experience with manufacturing processes, tooling, fixturing, and continuous improvement initiatives. - Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, CAD/CAM software, and advanced Microsoft Excel functions. - Knowledge of statistics, capability studies, tooling, gauging, and Six Sigma methodologies. - Experience creating technical documentation, work instructions, process procedures, and training materials. - Strong organizational, project management, and analytical skills. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with PFMEA and Lean Manufacturing methodologies. - Knowledge of Core Quality Tools, including Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and PFMEA. - Experience working in a liaison or concurrent engineering environment. - Experience with AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar CAD software. - Experience with ERP, MES, and PLM systems, including NetSuite, Solumina, and Fusion 360. - Experience supporting manufacturing operations utilizing robotic equipment. - Demonstrated success implementing process improvements and designing new manufacturing processes using Six Sigma principles. - Six Sigma Black Belt (DMAIC) certification. Soft Skills: - Strong verbal and written communication skills. - Excellent interpersonal and leadership abilities. - Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. - Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. - Excellent organizational and project management capabilities. - Effective time management and prioritization skills. - Ability to drive change and continuous improvement initiatives. - Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality. Technology Stack: - Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) - CAD/CAM Software - AutoCAD - Autodesk Inventor - Fusion 360 - NetSuite ERP - Solumina MES - PLM Systems - Statistical Analysis Tools - Six Sigma Methodologies and Quality Tools Physical Requirements - Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments. - Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout production facilities for extended periods. - Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods. - Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials, tools, or equipment as needed. - Ability to safely work around manufacturing equipment and machinery while following all safety protocols. - Ability to travel between production areas and participate in on-site equipment evaluations and project activities. 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. ## 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. 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