Senior Supplier Quality Engineer
AST SpaceMobile
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 Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) – Composite Materials responsible for end-to-end supplier quality ownership of composite materials and components. This role ensures process robustness, material integrity, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the supply base.
The position emphasizes process capability, risk mitigation, and supplier maturity beyond inspection and compliance, acting as a key interface between suppliers, engineering, manufacturing, NDT, and program quality to ensure reliable and repeatable composite manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Quality Leadership
- Own supplier quality performance throughout the full lifecycle: development, qualification, and serial production.
- Qualify and certify new composite suppliers through capability assessments, readiness reviews, and audits.
- Conduct system, process, and special process audits, including composite layup, curing, machining, and bonding.
- Drive supplier performance using scorecards, KPIs, and structured improvement roadmaps.
Process Control, Validation & Risk Management
- Ensure robust control of composite manufacturing through definition and monitoring of Critical Process Parameters (CPPs), Key Characteristics (KCs), process windows, and repeatability.
- Lead First Article Inspection (FAI) and process validation per AS9102 and company requirements.
- Identify and mitigate supplier risks using PFMEA and process risk assessments.
Material Assurance, Compliance & NDT Oversight
- Review and approve material certifications, Certificates of Conformance (CoCs), process control plans, and quality records.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and customer standards.
- Provide technical oversight of NDT activities (UT, C-scan, RT, thermography), including acceptance criteria definition and results review.
- Lead technical quality investigations related to voids, delamination, bonding failures, and material defects, including root cause analysis and CAPA.
Technical Authority & Internal Support
- Act as technical quality authority for composite suppliers and advise internal stakeholders on supplier capabilities, material selection, and process limitations.
- Advise internal stakeholders on supplier capabilities, material selection, and process limitations.
- Maintain expert knowledge of composite technologies, including prepreg layup, resin infusion/RTM, autoclave and out-of-autoclave curing.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent.
Experience:
A minimum of 5–8+ years of Supplier Quality Engineering experience, with strong knowledge of composite materials and special processes.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in aerospace or space-grade composite structures.
- Hands-on involvement with composite NDT methods and acceptance criteria.
- Familiarity with ECSS, ESA, NASA, or equivalent aerospace standards.
- Experience working with high-reliability or safety-critical products.
Soft Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to lead and make technical quality decisions.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy of documentation and quality records.
- Risk-based and systems-thinking mindset.
Technology Stack:
- Quality management systems compliant with AS9100.
- Supplier audit and qualification tools (including NADCAP frameworks).
- PFMEA and risk assessment methodologies.
- Composite NDT technologies (UT, C-scan, RT, thermography).
- Data analysis and reporting tools for supplier performance monitoring.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to visit supplier manufacturing facilities and production environments as required.
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.
