Quality Engineer – Thruster and Electric Propulsion Production Line

The role

The Quality Engineer ensures thrusters and electric propulsion systems meet quality standards throughout the production process. This role involves developing quality control procedures, conducting root cause analysis, and driving continuous improvement.

What you will do

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance and quality control processes for thruster and electric propulsion production lines.
• Perform inspections and audits of incoming materials, in-process components, and finished thrusters.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams to resolve quality issues.
• Analyze production data and quality metrics to identify trends and areas for process improvement.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for quality non-conformances.
• Ensure compliance with relevant aerospace standards and customer requirements.
• Develop and maintain quality documentation including inspection plans, test procedures, and control charts.
• Support qualification and validation activities for new production processes and product introductions.
• Participate in supplier quality management and audits.
• Provide training and guidance on quality standards and best practices to production staff.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in quality engineering within aerospace manufacturing.
• Proficient with quality tools such as FMEA, SPC, root cause analysis, and 8D problem solving.
• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards (AS9100, ISO 9001) and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience with quality inspection tools and measurement equipment.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.

Nice to have

• Experience with electric propulsion or thruster production.
• Strong understanding of electric propulsion systems and their manufacturing processes.
• Experience with electrical and vacuum systems.
• Knowledge of thruster assembly, testing, and qualification processes.
• Experience with statistical software and quality data analysis.
• Continuous improvement certifications such as Six Sigma or Lean.

About the company

AST SpaceMobile and its global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. The network is designed to provide 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet.