Quality Engineer

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

The Quality Engineer provides hands-on quality assurance and mission assurance support across product development, manufacturing, integration, and test activities. This role ensures hardware, software, and production processes meet internal standards, customer requirements, and regulatory/compliance obligations. The engineer drives defect prevention, root cause analysis, process control, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve product reliability, reduce risk, and ensure flight-ready performance of satellite systems and supporting equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Prepare, maintain, and review quality assurance procedures to ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and government requirements.

• Support implementation and execution of Product Assurance Plans (PAPs), policies, and program strategies.

• Ensure alignment with internal Quality Management System (QMS) standards and aerospace industry requirements.

• Maintain documentation, traceability, and inspection records in regulated manufacturing environments.

Inspection, Testing & Verification

• Develop and implement inspection, testing, and evaluation standards and methods.

• Create sampling plans, quality standards, and process control instructions for manufacturing teams.

• Monitor production cycles and perform regular testing to identify defects, reliability risks, or performance issues early.

• Support inspection and quality control activities for satellite system/subsystem integration and test, including flight hardware/software, ground support equipment, tooling, and calibrations.

Production Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze production and test data to ensure products meet specifications and customer requirements.

• Evaluate plant-wide processes and drive manufacturing efficiency improvements through process control or design changes.

• Review corrective actions and verify effectiveness of implemented improvements.

• Identify opportunities to reduce variation, improve yield, and enhance reliability.

Nonconformance & Root Cause

• Perform quality reviews and manage disposition of nonconforming material.

• Generate reports and support MRB activities.

• Process, investigate, and disposition RMAs.

• Lead or support root cause and corrective action investigations (RCCA, 8D, 5-Why, fishbone).

• Recommend and implement corrective and preventive measures to prevent recurrence.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, program management, and external vendors/contractors to ensure quality objectives are met.

• Review design plans, process procedures, and test documentation to ensure compliance and manufacturability.

• Support Design/Test/Manufacturing Readiness Reviews.

• Provide ongoing quality engineering support to production and development teams.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline required.

Experience

• 3+ years of quality engineering or related experience required.

• 5+ years of experience within aerospace, aviation, military, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments preferred.

• Experience working with Quality Management Systems and regulated production environments.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.

• Experience leading or supporting root cause and corrective action initiatives.

• Familiarity with piece-part, assembly, and system-level inspections and verifications.

• Experience working in evolving, fast-paced production or cleanroom environments.

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spacecraft or satellite hardware experience in cleanroom settings.

• MRB/PR experience; QMRB certification a plus.

• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certifications.

• ASQE certification.

• Experience with program or project management tools.

• Knowledge of export control and ITAR requirements.

• Experience supporting readiness reviews (Design/Test/Manufacturing).

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving ability.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

• High attention to detail and quality ownership mindset.

• Adaptability in dynamic schedules and evolving requirements.

Technology Stack

• Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent productivity tools

• Quality tools: RCCA/8D, SPC, control plans, sampling plans, MRB systems

• Documentation/QMS platforms

• Engineering drawings and inspection equipment/tools

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods working at a desk and computer.

• Frequent movement throughout production and integration facilities.

• Ability to work in manufacturing and cleanroom environments.

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed.

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.

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and 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.