{"id":1303077,"url":"https://alion.io/job/ast-science-lead-manufacturing-engineer","title":"Lead Manufacturing Engineer","company":{"id":2057930,"name":"AST SpaceMobile","domain":"ast-science.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/ast-science","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":94,"open_postings":204,"ghost_share":0.015,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":132,"computed_at":"2026-10-01T05:45:00Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"lead","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Homestead, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":107000,"max_usd":217000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":989},"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2025-09-05T16:37:35Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-06-19","last_verified_at":"2026-10-01T02:45:29Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":390,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":["company_stale"],"days_open":390},"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.\nPosition Summary:\nThe Lead Manufacturing Engineer / Manufacturing Engineering Manager will oversee and optimize manufacturing processes for the Cover Glass Integrated Solar Cell (CIC) production line. This role focuses on improving yield, throughput, process reliability, and equipment efficiency and managing production line personnel. This position will lead cross-functional teams, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.\nKey Responsibilities:\n Process Development & Optimization:\nLead development, qualification, and scaling of processes for cover glass lamination, laser cutting, interconnect integration, and solar cell encapsulation.\nImplement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles for new product introductions (NPI).\nPerform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for process deviations and yield loss.\n Production Support:\nProvide hands-on technical support to resolve day-to-day production issues across the CGISC line.\nMaintain and improve key process parameters (KPPs) to ensure consistent quality and throughput.\nLead troubleshooting and failure analysis of mechanical and process equipment.\nEquipment & Tooling:\nSpecify, procure, and qualify production equipment and fixtures.\nCollaborate with equipment vendors for installation, calibration, and maintenance strategies.\nLeadership & Collaboration:\nLead engineering teams and mentor junior engineers and technicians.\nInterface with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance to align manufacturing goals with broader company objectives.\n Lean & Continuous Improvement:\nApply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and SPC methods to reduce waste and improve line efficiency.\nDevelop and sustain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions.\nData & Reporting:\nAnalyze process data to monitor trends, detect abnormalities, and drive decisions.\nGenerate technical documentation, process maps, and reports for stakeholders.\nQualifications:\nBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.\n5-10 years of experience in high-tech manufacturing, preferably in photovoltaic, semiconductor, or display panel industries.\nStrong knowledge of glass processing, solar module assembly, laser operations, or thin-film technology.\nExperience with statistical analysis tools (JMP, Minitab), MES systems, and CAD software, or similar.\nDemonstrated leadership in cross-functional project management and production scaling.\nPreferred Skills:\nFamiliarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or similar quality/environmental standards.\nKnowledge of automation systems, robotics, and cleanroom manufacturing.\nHands-on experience with FMEA, DOE, and SPC implementation.\nWork Environment:\nSplit between cleanroom manufacturing floor and engineering office.\nOccasional travel to vendor or partner facilities as required.\nOccasional off-hours support for shift operations or emergencies.\nAST 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.","description_format":"text","description_chars":3837,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":5,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":[],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Telecommunications"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-26T12:21:47Z"}],"liveness":{"score":17,"band":"cold","label":"Long shot","p_open":1,"p_active":0.613,"p_room":0.28,"age_days":390,"expected_fill_days":132,"reasons":["conf:2","velocity","win:tail","crowd:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-10-01T05:45:00Z"},"pay":null,"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/ast-science-lead-manufacturing-engineer","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/ast-science-lead-manufacturing-engineer.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-10-01T07:34:07Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","usage":{"tier":"search","counted_by":"address","units_charged":0,"used_today":0,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":null,"resets_at":"2026-10-02T00:00:00Z"}}}