Strategic Sourcing - Manufacturing Specialist

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 Supply Chain Manufacturing Specialist.

The Supply Chain Manufacturing Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and optimizing the end-to-end supply chain activities supporting Structures manufacturing operations. This role bridges Procurement, Engineering, Strategic Sourcing and Quality to ensure Specifications alignment, quality conditions, and timely availability of raw materials, as well as manufacturing tooling and test compliance across the different manufacturing instances of Structural Components production at third parties, while maintaining cost, quality, and delivery objectives. The position requires a strong technical understanding of various materials and manufacturing processes of Aerospace Structures in metallics and plastics (CFRP is a plus), combined with solid supply chain execution skills in a production environment.

Key Responsibilities

: • Plan and manage material flow for diverse materials manufacturing operations, ensuring uninterrupted production • Coordinate procurement of raw materials involved in Structures manufacturing, including tooling • Develop and maintain production-aligned material plans (MRP), safety stocks, and inventory strategies • Interface closely with Engineering, Quality, and suppliers to support build schedules and resolve supply constraints • Monitor supplier performance (OTD, quality, lead time, cost) and drive corrective actions where required • Support sourcing activities including supplier qualification, RFQs, technical evaluations, tests, and technical contract implementation • Manage lead times for long-cycle materials and critical path items • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across logistics, inventory turns, material availability, and cost reductions • Participate in Make/Buy decisions and support industrialization of new composite products • Ensure compliance with quality standards, material traceability, and documentation

Requirements (AS9100 / ISO Where Applicable)

• Support production ramp-ups and new program introductions, and propose improvements and alternatives • Maintain accurate master data in ERP systems (BOMs, routings, lead times, MOQ) • Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Management, or related field Experience: A minimum of 5+ years in manufacturing supply chain or procurement, preferably in Aerospace Industry materials (metallics, plastics, composites, and other advanced materials)

Preferred Qualifications

: • Experience in aerospace, space, automotive, or high-performance materials • Knowledge of AS9100 / ISO standards • Project management experience • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles • International supplier management experience Soft Skills: • Fluent in English (written and verbal) and Spanish • Strong organizational skills and ability to operate in fast-paced production environments • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Proven ability to manage suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders • Manufacturing Supply Chain Execution • Aerospace Structures Materials Knowledge • Supplier Management • Production Planning • Cross-Functional Collaboration • Risk Management • Continuous Improvement Mindset • Technical Communication Technology Stack: • Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite or similar) Physical

Requirements

: • Ability to work in a standard office environment and us