Industrialization Project Leader

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on its extensive IP and patent portfolio for commercial and government applications.

Role Summary

The Industrialization Project Leader owns the day-to-day operational execution of industrialization projects, connecting Product and System Engineering, NPI, plant operations, and equipment and tooling suppliers. The role drives manufacturing feasibility, plant process changes, supplier-led equipment projects, and lean manufacturing methods to achieve production rate and quality targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate with engineering and NPI teams to represent industrialization needs in design decisions.
• Prepare and communicate manufacturing feasibility assessments, risks, and constraints.
• Define and implement documented, validated plant process changes.
• Lead suppliers on industrialization plans, equipment, and process improvements.
• Manage supplier qualifications, equipment acceptance, process ramp-up, outsourcing, and technology-transfer projects.
• Identify automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing solutions.
• Apply lean manufacturing tools including value stream mapping, standard work, SMED, and line balancing.
• Support capacity modeling, throughput analysis, and factory or line layout design.
• Drive root cause analysis and structured problem-solving using performance and quality data.
• Coordinate with Quality and EHS on safety and quality standards.
• Provide status updates on timelines, risks, and actions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical, or electrical engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in industrialization, manufacturing engineering, or process engineering.
• Experience leading equipment qualification, process transfer, or ramp-up projects with external suppliers.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma tools; Green Belt certification preferred.
• Experience working with global, cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Excel, Minitab, JMP, or equivalent data analysis tools.
• Strong communication skills across plant-floor, supplier, and engineering stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel to plant and supplier sites as needed.
• Aerospace, satellite, automotive, or other regulated-hardware manufacturing experience is a plus.

This job description may not be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned, or the scope may change based on business demands.

AST SpaceMobile is an equal opportunity, at-will employer.