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Composites Manufacturing Engineer

AST SpaceMobile · Midland, TX

Level
Engineer
Team
Manufacturing
Degree
Required
Experience asked
10+ years
Industry
Aerospace & defense
Posted
30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level manufacturing role at AST SpaceMobile (aerospace & defense) in Midland, TX. Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for CFRP components using Toray prepreg systems.

They ask for
10+ years · degree required
Tools it names
Lean, Six Sigma, CNC, Tooling, SolidWorks, CATIA / NX

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

How this role compares

Against 128 other live manufacturing postings in Texas.

Base pay
Not listed in this posting

Typical $79k–$126k, from 30 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
More than usual (10+ vs 5+)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Tooling 58%
  • Root cause 57%
  • ✓ Lean 41%
  • ✓ New product launch 36%
  • Automation 36%
  • ✓ Six Sigma 29%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for SolidWorks, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 10+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone on the team first.

At a glance

Lifts up to 50 lbs

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Midland

26 other open roles at this site.

All 27 roles at AST SpaceMobile →
Full description from AST SpaceMobileAs posted on their careers site.Show

Key Responsibilities

  • ◆Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for CFRP components using Toray prepreg systems.
  • ◆Lead or support new facility startups, including layout planning, utilities coordination, equipment selection, installation, and commissioning.
  • ◆Specify, source, validate, and maintain capital equipment such as autoclaves, CNC routers, ovens, and bonding tools.
  • ◆Program and operate CNC routers for precision trimming and drilling of composite structures.
  • ◆Oversee bonding preparation processes, including surface treatment, adhesive application, and cure cycle optimization.
  • ◆Manage autoclave operations, including recipe development, cycle optimization, and maintenance coordination.
  • ◆Apply expertise in composite curing processes—thermal profiles, pressure cycles, and material-specific requirements—to ensure optimal part quality and structural integrity.
  • ◆Create and maintain detailed work instructions, process documentation, and tooling specifications.
  • ◆Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to ensure manufacturability and compliance with aerospace standards.
  • ◆Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions to improve yield, reduce scrap, and enhance overall process efficiency.
  • ◆Support New Product Introduction (NPI), continuous improvement activities, and lean/Six Sigma initiatives.

Education

  • ✓Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

Experience

  • ✓Minimum of 10 years of aerospace composite manufacturing experience, specifically with CFRP.
  • ✓Demonstrated expertise with Toray prepreg materials including handling, layup, and curing.
  • ✓Proficiency in CNC routing, fixture design, and CAM programming for composite materials.
  • ✓Strong knowledge of adhesive bonding preparation and techniques.

Hands-on experience with autoclave operations and composite curing cycles.

  • ✓Proven experience supporting new facility setup, equipment layout, and process commissioning.
  • ✓Demonstrated ability to specify, procure, and validate capital equipment for composite manufacturing.
  • ✓Proficiency in CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk, or Mastercam.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Additional Required Training & Certifications

  • ✓TTI Environmental Engineering Specialist Certificate with emphasis on vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum test procedures.
  • ✓ISO 17025 familiarity or laboratory accreditation experience.
  • ✓Training in MIL-STD and NASA standards such as MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1540, and NASA-STD-7002B.
  • ✓ITAR Compliance Training.

Requirements

  • ✓Ability to work in a manufacturing environment around machinery, ovens, and autoclaves.
  • ✓Ability to occasionally lift 35–50 lbs depending on tooling or material needs.
  • ✓Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform hands-on work for extended periods.

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 ↓

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 highly skilled CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) Manufacturing Engineer with a strong background in aerospace composite fabrication. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with Toray prepreg materials, CNC routing, bonding preparation, autoclave operations, composite curing, and has supported new facility startups as well as capital equipment specification and sourcing. This role will be instrumental in developing, optimizing, and scaling advanced composite manufacturing processes for aerospace applications.

Preferred / Optional Certifications

  • +Project Management Professional (PMP).
  • +Six Sigma or Lean certification.
  • +LabVIEW or DAQ system certification.

Soft Skills

  • •Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and production.
  • •Excellent technical writing and documentation capabilities.
  • •Highly skilled in troubleshooting complex manufacturing challenges.
  • •Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality results.
  • •Effective organizational and project management abilities.

Technology Stack

  • •Experience with CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, or Mastercam.
  • •Familiarity with CNC programming interfaces and routing systems.
  • •Use of manufacturing documentation tools and digital recordkeeping systems.
  • •Knowledge of autoclave control systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition tools.

Physical

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