AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Quality Inspector II – Composites Integration performs advanced in-process and final inspections of composite structures, bonded assemblies, mechanical integrations, and avionics-related hardware utilized in satellite manufacturing and integration activities. This position works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Production Control, and Quality Engineering teams to ensure product compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and aerospace quality standards.
The ideal candidate will possess experience in aerospace manufacturing, aircraft structures, composites fabrication, satellite integration, avionics manufacturing, or other high-reliability production environments where quality and precision are critical to mission success.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform detailed in-process and final inspections of composite structures, bonded assemblies, satellite hardware, avionics components, and mechanical integrations.
- Verify compliance with engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, manufacturing travelers, work instructions, and inspection plans.
- Inspect composite layups, cured components, bonded joints, inserts, fastener installations, and structural assemblies for dimensional and visual conformance.
- Conduct receiving, in-process, First Article Inspection (FAI), and final acceptance inspections.
- Review manufacturing documentation, inspection records, certifications, and supplier quality records for completeness and accuracy.
- Utilize precision measuring equipment including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, pin gauges, and specialty inspection tools.
- Ensure measurement and inspection equipment is being utilized correctly and remains within calibration requirements.
- Identify, document, and process nonconforming material reports (NCMRs) and related quality discrepancies.
- Support root cause investigations, corrective actions, and preventive action initiatives related to product nonconformances.
- Perform inspections in accordance with AS9100 requirements, customer requirements, and company procedures.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Engineers, Integration Technicians, and Production personnel to resolve product and process quality concerns.
- Maintain accurate inspection records and documentation within electronic and manual quality management systems.
- Ensure compliance with ESD, contamination control, foreign object debris (FOD), and product protection requirements.
- Participate in continuous improvement activities focused on product quality, process efficiency, and defect prevention.
- Support additional quality and manufacturing activities as assigned.
COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE
Compensation
- Pay commensurate with experience (DOE).
- Additional shift differentials apply for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th shifts.
Shift Schedules
Pay: DOE, Additional shift differentials apply for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th shifts.
Shift Schedules
- 1st Shift – Days: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (4x10 schedule) with paid lunch and breaks
- 2nd Shift – Nights: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 p.m.–4:00 a.m. (4x10 schedule) with a 10% shift differential and paid lunch and breaks
- 3rd Shift – Weekends: Friday–Sunday, 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (3x12 schedule) with a 20% shift differential and paid lunch and breaks
- 4th Shift – Weekends: Friday–Sunday, 6:00 pm.– 6:00 a.m. (3x12 schedule) with a 25% shift differential and paid lunch and breaks
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Aviation Maintenance, or related technical discipline preferred.
Experience
- Minimum four (4) years of quality inspection experience in aerospace, aviation, composites manufacturing, defense manufacturing, satellite integration, spacecraft manufacturing, or a related high-reliability industry.
- Experience inspecting composite and mechanical assemblies.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T requirements, and manufacturing documentation.
- Strong understanding of inspection methodologies, quality systems, and nonconformance reporting processes.
- Proficiency utilizing precision measurement and inspection equipment.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five (5)+ years of aerospace quality inspection experience.
- Experience supporting aerospace composites, carbon fiber structures, bonded assemblies, and structural integration activities.
- Experience supporting satellite, spacecraft, aircraft, or defense manufacturing programs.
- Knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management Systems.
- Familiarity with IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and avionics inspection standards.
- Experience performing First Article Inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 requirements.
- Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Experience utilizing ERP, MES, SAP, or electronic quality management systems.
- Certified Quality Inspector (CQI), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or equivalent industry-recognized quality certification preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Advanced understanding of aerospace manufacturing and inspection requirements.
- Ability to evaluate complex composite, mechanical, and integrated assemblies for compliance and conformance.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to communicate quality concerns clearly, professionally, and effectively.
- Excellent organizational, documentation, and recordkeeping skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
- Strong understanding of aerospace workmanship standards and quality expectations.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple departments.
TECHNOLOGY STACK
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
- SAP or equivalent business systems
- Electronic Quality Management Systems (EQMS)
- Digital Work Instructions
- Precision Metrology Equipment
- Calipers, Micrometers, Height Gauges, Bore Gauges, and Pin Gauges
- Quality Inspection and Documentation Software
IDEAL CANDIDATE BACKGROUND
Candidates with experience in the following industries are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Composite Structures Inspection
- Aircraft Assembly and Structures
- Satellite and Spacecraft Integration
- Avionics Manufacturing
- Defense Manufacturing
- Helicopter Manufacturing
- Fixed-Wing Aircraft Production
- FAA Repair Stations
- Military Aviation Maintenance
- Carbon Fiber and Advanced Materials Inspection
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Ability to stand, walk, and perform inspections for extended periods throughout the workday.
- Ability to bend, kneel, reach, climb, and work around production hardware and tooling.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to work around large structural components and integrated satellite assemblies.
- Ability to perform detailed visual inspections, including close-up inspection activities and color differentiation requirements.
- Ability to work in environments where exposure to composite materials, carbon fiber dust, adhesives, solvents, and manufacturing equipment may occur.
- Ability to work safely in an active manufacturing environment while adhering to all quality and safety requirements.
- Must comply with applicable PPE, ESD, contamination control, and FOD prevention requirements.
AST SpaceMobile offers a unique opportunity to join one of the nation's most innovative satellite manufacturing organizations. If you are open to relocating to Midland, Texas, this position provides long-term career growth, advanced technical development, and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge space technology programs.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Duties, responsibilities, and requirements may change at any time based on business needs.
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.