SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
AST SpaceMobile is building the first global cellular broadband network in space, designed to operate directly with standard mobile devices for both commercial and government applications. The company aims to eliminate connectivity gaps for billions of unconnected mobile subscribers worldwide.
The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) for Composite Materials will own supplier quality across the composite materials and components supply base, ensuring process robustness, material integrity, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. This role emphasizes process capability, risk mitigation, and supplier maturity, requiring a hands-on approach with frequent presence at supplier facilities.
Key responsibilities include:
• Execute supplier quality performance monitoring throughout development, qualification, and serial production lifecycles
• Support qualification of new composite suppliers through capability assessments, readiness reviews, and audits
• Conduct system, process, and special process audits covering composite layup, curing, machining, and bonding
• Monitor supplier performance using scorecards, KPIs, and structured improvement roadmaps
• Ensure control of composite manufacturing through monitoring of Critical Process Parameters (CPPs), Key Characteristics (KCs), process windows, and repeatability
• Perform First Article Inspection (FAI) and process validation per AS9102 and company requirements
• Identify and report supplier risks using PFMEA and process risk assessments
• Review and approve material certifications, Certificates of Conformance (CoCs), process control plans, and quality records
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and internal standards
• Provide technical support for NDT activities (UT, C-scan, RT, thermography) and review results against defined criteria
• Assist in quality technical investigations (voids, delamination, bonding failures) and track root cause and CAPA implementation
• Act as quality liaison for composite suppliers and advise internal stakeholders on supplier capabilities
• Maintain knowledge of composite technologies including prepreg layup, resin infusion/RTM, autoclave and out-of-autoclave curing
• Up to 50% travel to supplier locations for direct oversight and process verification
Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent
• Minimum 3–5 years of Supplier Quality Engineering experience with knowledge of composite materials and special processes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in supplier-facing environments
• Detail-oriented and hands-on approach
• Ability to manage multiple suppliers and prioritize field tasks
• Data-driven, process-oriented approach to quality
• Proficiency with PFMEA, AS9102, AS9100, NADCAP, and NDT methods (UT, C-scan, RT, thermography)
Preferred qualifications:
• Experience in aerospace or space-grade composite structures
• Hands-on involvement with composite NDT and acceptance criteria
• Familiarity with ECSS, ESA, NASA, or equivalent aerospace standards
• Experience with high-reliability or safety-critical products
