--- title: 'Thermal Blanket Fabrication Supervisor at AST SpaceMobile' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/thermal-blanket-fabrication-supervisor-ast-spacemobile-lanham-chts3f4hwvjr' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-31' --- # Thermal Blanket Fabrication Supervisor at AST SpaceMobile - **Company:** AST SpaceMobile - **Location:** Lanham, MD - **Posted:** 2025-11-12 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-31 - **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4629457005 ## 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 Thermal Blanket Fabrication Supervisor to oversee daily operations, personnel, and production activities within the thermal blanket fabrication area for AST SpaceMobile satellite platforms. This role ensures all thermal blanket products are manufactured to precise engineering and quality standards while maintaining schedule adherence and safety compliance. The supervisor will serve as the key liaison between technicians, engineering, quality assurance, and production management teams. ## Key Responsibilities - Supervise a team of Thermal Blanket Fabrication Technicians in cutting, sewing, assembly, and installation of thermal insulation materials for satellite applications. - Coordinate workflow, assign tasks, and monitor progress to meet production schedules and quality goals. - Review and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and pattern data to ensure proper execution of fabrication procedures. - Conduct in-process inspections and support first-article and final quality checks in collaboration with Quality Assurance. - Train and mentor technicians on fabrication techniques, material handling, and safety practices. - Maintain accurate production records, material usage logs, and documentation for traceability. - Identify process inefficiencies and collaborate with engineering on continuous improvement initiatives and tooling upgrades. - Ensure compliance with ESD, FOD, and cleanroom protocols as applicable. - Manage inventory levels of films, foils, adhesives, and fasteners; coordinate with supply chain for replenishment. - Enforce company safety standards and ensure all personnel follow established protocols. - Support installation or integration activities at other AST facilities as needed. ## Qualifications Education: Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Aerospace Engineering Technology, or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience. Experience: - A minimum of 5+ years total experience, including supervisory experience. - 3+ years in fabrication, assembly, or production supervision, preferably involving textiles, films, or insulation systems. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience in aerospace or satellite manufacturing environments. - Familiarity with thermal blanket fabrication, MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation), or composite materials. - Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and cleanroom manufacturing practices. - Working knowledge of ERP/MRP production tracking systems. Soft Skills - Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with proven ability to mentor and manage teams. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy of all documentation and deliverables. - Strong organizational and problem-solving skills. - Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, quality, and production teams. Technology Stack - ERP/MRP systems for production tracking. - Familiarity with precision cutting and sewing equipment for aerospace applications. - Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for documentation and reporting. Physical Requirements - Ability to work in a standard office and cleanroom environment. - Ability to stand for extended periods and perform hands-on fabrication tasks. - Up to 25% travel to other AST facilities (Midland, TX and other production/test sites). 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. [Wikipedia – AST SpaceMobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AST_SpaceMobile) ## Other roles at AST SpaceMobile - [Radiation Assurance Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/radiation-assurance-engineer-ast-spacemobile-barcelona-mwqddbmbpcaa) — Barcelona, Spain - [Data Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/data-engineer-ast-spacemobile-riga-a4106z5k9fv4) — Riga, Latvia - [Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-principal-device-validation-engineer-ast-spacemobile-dallas-e3rfdes9enr0) — Dallas, TX - [Executive Administrative Assistant](https://feeny.ai/job/executive-administrative-assistant-ast-spacemobile-miami-f4hp8kdc3hw7) — Miami, FL - [Assoc Electrical Software Test Engr Part Time](https://feeny.ai/job/assoc-electrical-software-test-engr-part-time-ast-spacemobile-lanham-5tc3ttjrbxz0) — Lanham, MD - [Principle Systems Engineering- Software](https://feeny.ai/job/principle-systems-engineering-software-ast-spacemobile-dallas-pppwznbatsef) — Dallas, TX - [Senior Director, Program Delivery](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-director-program-delivery-ast-spacemobile-dallas-a86x62ftrfzx) — Dallas, TX - [Director, Technical Project Delivery](https://feeny.ai/job/director-technical-project-delivery-ast-spacemobile-dallas-ck7aqrrxrjvg) — Dallas, TX - [RF Test Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/rf-test-engineer-ast-spacemobile-midland-vgd3xgxtw9rq) — Midland, TX - [Principal Gateway Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/principal-gateway-engineer-ast-spacemobile-dallas-ssbaxscfm2pw) — Dallas, TX