Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Manufacturing Technician
AST SpaceMobile · Midland, TX
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Preferred
- Experience asked
- 5+ 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.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, AS9100, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), CNC, Machining
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 74 other live manufacturing postings in Texas.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (5+ vs 4+)
Typical $85k–$105k, from 6 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Team leadership 47%
- ✓ CNC 37%
- Tooling 36%
- ✓ Machining 35%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for AS9100, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), 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 Midland
26 other open roles at this site.
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- Associate Quality Engineer · Quality
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Full description from AST SpaceMobileAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Key Responsibilities
- ◆Perform CFRP layups using Toray prepreg materials according to work instructions and engineering drawings.
- ◆Operate and maintain CNC routers for trimming, drilling, and machining composite components.
- ◆Conduct bonding preparation including cleaning, abrading, masking, and adhesive application.
- ◆Set up and operate autoclaves and ovens; monitor cure cycles and document process parameters.
- ◆Perform composite curing operations including vacuum bagging, thermocouple placement, and pressure/temperature monitoring.
- ◆Assist with equipment installation, calibration, and setup during facility startup and expansion.
- ◆Perform in-process inspections to ensure part quality and conformance to specifications.
- ◆Maintain accurate production records, logs, and documentation.
- ◆Collaborate with engineers and supervisors to troubleshoot issues and improve processes.
Education
- ✓High school diploma or equivalent required.
- ✓Technical certification or associate degree in manufacturing, aerospace, or a related field preferred.
Experience
- ✓Minimum of 5 years of hands-on composite manufacturing experience, preferably in aerospace.
- ✓Proficiency with Toray prepreg materials and composite layup techniques.
- ✓Experience operating CNC routers and using basic CAM software or machine interfaces.
- ✓Familiarity with bonding preparation methods and adhesive handling.
- ✓Working knowledge of autoclave operations and composite curing processes.
- ✓Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Experience with new facility setup, equipment installation, and process validation.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.
- ✓Familiarity with aerospace quality systems (AS9100, NADCAP).
- ✓Forklift or overhead crane certification.
Requirements
- ✓Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- ✓Ability to stand, bend, reach, and perform manual tasks for extended periods.
- ✓Ability to work in a production environment around machinery, ovens, and autoclaves.
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 detail-oriented, hands-on Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Manufacturing Technician to support the production of advanced composite components for aerospace applications. The ideal candidate has experience with Toray prepreg materials, CNC routing, bonding preparation, autoclave operations, and composite curing processes. This role also includes supporting new facility startup activities, such as equipment installation, setup, and early process trials.
Soft Skills
- •Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- •Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
- •Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- •Problem-solving mindset with a proactive, hands-on approach.
- •High manual dexterity and precision in manufacturing tasks.
Technology Stack
- •Basic CAM or CNC machine interface software.
- •Standard manufacturing documentation and digital record-keeping tools.
- •Use of measurement and inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges).
Physical