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Technical Excellence Manufacturing Engineer

AST SpaceMobile · Midland, TX

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Level
Engineer
Team
Lean / CI
Degree
Required (or equivalent experience)
Experience asked
3+ years
Certification
Black Belt preferred
Industry
Aerospace & defense
Posted
30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level continuous improvement role at AST SpaceMobile (aerospace & defense) in Midland, TX.

They ask for
3+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience) · Black Belt preferred
Tools it names
Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, Kaizen, Root cause, DMAIC

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Continuous Improvement roles in Texas: typical posted base $92k–$128k.

Median of the low and high ends of 9 live postings that list pay, out of 24 continuous improvement 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 23 other live lean / ci postings in Texas.

Base pay
Not listed in this posting

Typical $92k–$128k, from 9 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Lean 88%
  • ✓ Six Sigma 67%
  • ✓ Root cause 46%
  • ✓ Kaizen 42%
  • Value stream mapping 38%
  • ✓ Black Belt 33%

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

Stands out: this posting asks for FMEA, Control plans, MSA / Gage R&R, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 3+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

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. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Lean / CI 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 CI run from the plant floor or from a corporate OpEx group?
    • Which metrics does leadership actually watch: OEE, scrap, cost per unit?
    • The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
    • 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

  • ◆Assess new product concepts and designs for manufacturability and provide recommendations to R&D and Product Engineering teams.
  • ◆Develop manufacturing methods and processes that achieve safety, quality, cost, and production objectives.
  • ◆Conduct proof-of-principle and proof-of-concept studies.
  • ◆Design and implement manufacturing processes, including layouts, tooling, fixturing, programming, testing, and documentation.
  • ◆Continuously improve production methods using Six Sigma methodologies and engineering best practices.
  • ◆Provide technical expertise and troubleshooting support for manufacturing operations
  • ◆Participate in and lead Safety, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • ◆Qualify new and modified products through all phases of the manufacturing process.

Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to eliminate production losses.

  • ◆Train operations personnel on new processes, procedures, and protocols.
  • ◆Develop and maintain equipment lifecycle plans, including installation, qualification, maintenance, upgrades, commissioning, validation, and acceptance testing.
  • ◆Lead equipment capability assessments and identify production bottlenecks.
  • ◆Support commissioning, validation, and acceptance testing of new production equipment.
  • ◆Lead data-driven improvement projects focused on reducing downtime and increasing process capacity.
  • ◆Drive process optimization initiatives to improve machine utilization and reduce cycle times.
  • ◆Define and execute equipment improvement roadmaps aligned with operational goals.
  • ◆Evaluate automation opportunities and develop business cases for capital investments.
  • ◆Manage capital equipment projects from concept through implementation, including scope, budget, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
  • ◆Coordinate cross-functional teams including Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and New Product Introduction (NPI) teams to execute improvement projects.

Education

  • ✓Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

  • ✓Associate Level: 0-3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • ✓Mid-Level: Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • ✓Senior Level: 4-8 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • ✓Experience with manufacturing processes, tooling, fixturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • ✓Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, CAD/CAM software, and advanced Microsoft Excel functions.
  • ✓Knowledge of statistics, capability studies, tooling, gauging, and Six Sigma methodologies.
  • ✓Experience creating technical documentation, work instructions, process procedures, and training materials.
  • ✓Strong organizational, project management, and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • ✓Experience with PFMEA and Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
  • ✓Knowledge of Core Quality Tools, including Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and PFMEA.
  • ✓Experience working in a liaison or concurrent engineering environment.
  • ✓Experience with AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar CAD software.
  • ✓Experience with ERP, MES, and PLM systems, including NetSuite, Solumina, and Fusion 360.
  • ✓Experience supporting manufacturing operations utilizing robotic equipment.
  • ✓Demonstrated success implementing process improvements and designing new manufacturing processes using Six Sigma principles.
  • ✓Six Sigma Black Belt (DMAIC) certification.

Requirements

  • ✓Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
  • ✓Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout production facilities for extended periods.
  • ✓Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods.
  • ✓Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials, tools, or equipment as needed.
  • ✓Ability to safely work around manufacturing equipment and machinery while following all safety protocols.
  • ✓Ability to travel between production areas and participate in on-site equipment evaluations and project activities.

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and

responsibilities

listed. Addit

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 Manufacturing Engineer to develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods and processes that support both the ongoing production of existing products and the successful introduction of new products. This role is responsible for driving process improvements, optimizing equipment performance, supporting capital projects, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing operations.

Soft Skills

  • •Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • •Excellent interpersonal and leadership abilities.
  • •Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
  • •Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
  • •Excellent organizational and project management capabilities.
  • •Effective time management and prioritization skills.
  • •Ability to drive change and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • •Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Technology Stack

  • •Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • •CAD/CAM Software
  • •AutoCAD
  • •Autodesk Inventor
  • •Fusion 360
  • •NetSuite ERP
  • •Solumina MES
  • •PLM Systems
  • •Statistical Analysis Tools
  • •Six Sigma Methodologies and Quality Tools

Physical