Supplier Quality Engineer

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 highly skilled and proactive Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to lead the strategic sourcing, evaluation, and development of suppliers within the United States. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with engineering, quality, operations, and procurement teams to ensure supplier capabilities align with technical and regulatory requirements while optimizing cost, lead time, and overall quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with US-based suppliers, serving as the primary contact for quality-related matters.
• Conduct supplier facility and process audits to verify compliance with internal quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Investigate and resolve supplier-related quality issues by identifying root causes and driving corrective and preventive actions.
• Identify opportunities for process and quality improvements within the supplier network, with a focus on defect reduction and cost optimization.
• Maintain comprehensive records of supplier performance, audits, source inspections, and corrective actions.
• Communicate quality findings, risks, and recommendations effectively to engineering, manufacturing, and procurement teams.
• Perform source inspections on mechanical assemblies, including review of First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR), sampling inspection plans, material traceability, and special processing.
• Conduct supplier onboarding for new US suppliers, including on-site assessments and verification of contractual and regulatory compliance.
  
  

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related technical field.

Experience:

A minimum of 3 years in supplier development, supplier quality, or production quality within the aerospace, defense, or automotive industries.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including production lines and lean manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge of GD\&T with the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience performing part inspections using standard hand tools (calipers, pin gauges, height gauges, radius gauges).
• Familiarity with ITAR, DFARS, AS9100, ISO 9001, and similar industry certifications or regulatory frameworks.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% within the US for on-site supplier assessments and source inspections.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with manufacturing systems such as Solumina, Netsuite, or Autodesk Fusion.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Understanding of configuration management processes.
• ASQ Certification (e.g., CQE, CQA).
  
  

Soft Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective supplier and cross-functional relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate across engineering, procurement, operations, and quality teams.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation, inspections, and reports.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
  
  

Technology Stack:

• Manufacturing and quality systems such as Solumina, Netsuite, Autodesk Fusion
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Inspection and measurement tools
• ERP/MRP systems (as applicable)
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to perform on-site supplier inspections, including standing, walking, and moving around manufacturing facilities.
• Ability to travel frequently (up to 50%) within the
  
  

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.