Manufacturing Engineer Major Assembly
AST SpaceMobile · Midland, TX
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- 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
- 2+ years · degree required · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, Kaizen, Root cause, CNC
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in Texas: typical posted base $79k–$132k.
Median of the low and high ends of 33 live postings that list pay, out of 148 manufacturing engineer openings in Texas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Texas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 147 other live manufacturing postings in Texas.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (2+ vs 5+)
Typical $79k–$132k, from 33 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Tooling 57%
- ✓ Root cause 51%
- ✓ Lean 39%
- ✓ New product launch 39%
- Automation 34%
- ✓ Six Sigma 28%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Black Belt, Kaizen, CNC, Assembly lines, 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?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- 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
- ◆Identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and implement continuous improvement methods (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) to enhance productivity.
- ◆Troubleshoot equipment, optimize manufacturing systems, and maintain, install, or upgrade machinery
- ◆Create and update technical documentation, including SOPs, CAD drawings, routings, and time studies.
- ◆Monitoring system performance, implementing updates, and troubleshooting issues.
- ◆Working with cross-functional teams (development, IT support) to provide technical solutions.
- ◆Ensure products meet specifications, establish quality standards, and perform root-cause analysis for defects.
- ◆Lead projects, manage budgets, and support new product launches from prototype to assembly.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering or a related technical field.
Experience
A minimum of 2 years in lean manufacturing, preferably in aerospace or automotive industries.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Six Sigma
- ✓Green or Black Belt
- ✓Lean Manufacturing Experience
- ✓Spanish language skills are a plus.
Requirements
- ✓Ability to work in a standard office and workshop environment.
- ✓Ability to use a computer for extended periods.
- ✓Willingness to work hands-on with hardware and equipment on the production floor.
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 an Engineer to join our Manufacturing Engineering team and serve as the on-site lead for one of the primary satellite subsystems at our high-volume assembly line in Midland, TX. This role offers a unique hands-on perspective and direct involvement in the full lifecycle of flight hardware and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) - from design trades and prototyping to testing, production implementation, and quality assurance. The ideal candidate will be a proactive contributor, driving solutions to non-conformances, establishing robust processes, and supporting continuous improvement. Success in this role requires creativity, reliability, strong organizational skills, and the confidence to challenge existing norms in pursuit of excellence.
Soft Skills
- •Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- •Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
- •Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- •Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation and deliverables.
- •Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- •Practical, hands-on mindset with a strong interest in hardware and shop floor engagement.
Technology Stack
- •CAD software: AutoCAD (Preferred), Vault
- •Workshop tools: 3D printing, CNC, hand tools, soldering
- •Tracking and documentation tools for project and schedule management
Physical