AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

Quality Engineer - CIC

AST SpaceMobile, Inc.$70K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 2-5 years of quality engineering experience in high-tech manufacturing, ideally in solar, semiconductor, glass, or electronics sectors.
  • Knowledge of quality tools including SPC, DOE, FMEA, and MSA.
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001 and IEC 61215/61730 standards for solar cells/modules.
  • Experience with root cause analysis and continuous improvement processes.
  • Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement quality control procedures for various production steps.
  • Monitor process quality through in-line inspections, SPC, and end-of-line testing.
  • Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and relevant quality standards.
  • Define and oversee inspection criteria for materials and finished products.
  • Coordinate root cause analysis for non-conforming materials or processes using various tools.
  • Maintain accurate documentation for quality records, audits, and CAPAs.
  • Collaborate with teams to optimize processes and reduce variability.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge solar technology environment.
  • Engagement in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance skills and expertise.
  • Involvement in diverse collaborations across R&D, production, and engineering teams.
  • Participation in quality audits and compliance activities.
  • Potential for professional growth through exposure to industry standards and methodologies.
Full Job Description
Job Summary:

The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that all components and processes in the Cover Glass Integrated Solar Cell Production Line meet internal quality standards and customer specifications. This includes planning, implementing, and monitoring quality control systems, investigating issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product reliability and production efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Quality Control & Assurance:
    • Develop and implement quality control procedures for the cover glass lamination, cell integration, laser processing, and encapsulation steps.
    • Monitor process quality through in-line inspection, SPC (Statistical Process Control), and end-of-line testing.
    • Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and other relevant quality standards.
  • Inspection & Testing:
    • Define and oversee inspection criteria for incoming materials (glass, interconnects, encapsulants) and finished products.
    • Coordinate root cause analysis for non-conforming materials or processes using tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa), and FMEA.
    • Use metrology tools (e.g., microscope, profilometer, solar simulator) to verify process integrity.
  • Documentation & Reporting:
    • Maintain accurate documentation for quality records, audits, deviations, and CAPAs (Corrective and Preventive Actions).
    • Generate quality reports and dashboards to track KPIs such as yield, defect rates, and rework costs.
  • Process Improvement:
    • Collaborate with R&D, production, and engineering teams to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce variability.
    • Lead or support Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing initiatives to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Audits & Compliance:
    • Participate in internal and external quality audits.
    • Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and product certification standards applicable to solar panel production.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 2-5 years of quality engineering experience in a high-tech manufacturing environment (solar, semiconductor, glass, or electronics preferred).
  • Working knowledge of quality tools (SPC, DOE, FMEA, MSA).
  • Familiarity with standards such as ISO 9001, IEC 61215/61730 for solar cells/modules.
  • Experience with root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills.

Preferred Skills:
  • Experience with optical inspection systems or laser processing quality control.
  • Proficiency in using quality software such as Minitab, JMP, or similar.
  • Green Belt or higher in Six Sigma is a plus.
  • Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and ESD safety.


About AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. is a telecommunications company that is developing a space-based cellular broadband network. The company's network will provide mobile connectivity to remote and underserved areas around the world. AST SpaceMobile, Inc. was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Learn more about AST SpaceMobile, Inc.
Size
50 employees
Market Cap
$696.8 million
Industry
NASDAQ

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