Thermal Blanket Fabrication Supervisor
AST SpaceMobile · Lanham, MD
- Level
- Supervisor
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A supervisor manufacturing role at AST SpaceMobile (aerospace & defense) in Lanham, MD.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- AS9100, Tooling
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 670 other live manufacturing postings in the US.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (5+ vs 3+)
Typical $72k–$104k, from 85 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Team leadership 49%
- ✓ Tooling 40%
- CNC 33%
- Machining 31%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for AS9100, 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 Lanham
3 other open roles at this site.
- Payload Operations Engineer · Production
- Satellite Operations Engineer · Production
- OSS Test & Automation Engineer · Controls
Full description from AST SpaceMobileAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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