Lead Manufacturing Engineer
AST SpaceMobile · Homestead, FL
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A management manufacturing role at AST SpaceMobile (aerospace & defense) in Homestead, FL. Specify, procure, and qualify production equipment and fixtures.
- They ask for
- 10+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Root cause, SPC, FMEA, DOE
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 49 other live manufacturing postings in Florida.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (10+ vs 5+)
Typical $71k–$112k, from 6 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Root cause 50%
- ✓ New product launch 50%
- ✓ Lean 46%
- ✓ Tooling 46%
- Welding 38%
- Machining 34%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for SPC, DOE, Minitab, Robotics, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at AST SpaceMobile
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: AST SpaceMobile in Homestead
3 other open roles at this site.
Full description from AST SpaceMobileAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
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.
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.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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.
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.