Senior Quality Inspector – Battery Production

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

The Senior Quality Inspector is responsible for ensuring the highest quality standards in the production of space-grade battery systems. This role involves inspecting materials, components, subassemblies, and final products for compliance with aerospace standards, customer requirements, and internal specifications. The Senior Inspector also provides technical guidance to junior inspectors and production teams, supports continuous improvement, and ensures adherence to cleanroom and space-industry quality protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed inspections of battery cells, modules, harnesses, and final packs using precision tools and test equipment.
• Verify conformance of materials, in-process assemblies, and finished products against drawings, work instructions, and quality specifications (NASA/ESA/IPC/MIL standards).
• Review and validate inspection and test documentation, including travelers, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and certificates of conformance (CoCs).
• Conduct in-process, first article, and final inspections to ensure compliance with aerospace manufacturing and reliability standards.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities for non-conforming products in collaboration with quality engineers and production teams.
• Train and mentor junior quality inspectors in inspection techniques, documentation practices, and industry standards.
• Ensure compliance with cleanroom protocols, ESD controls, and FOD prevention in battery production environments.
• Support audits (internal, customer, and regulatory) by preparing records, presenting inspection results, and demonstrating compliance.
• Provide feedback to manufacturing and engineering teams to improve processes and prevent recurrence of defects.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of inspection methods, measurement tools, and quality assurance processes.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical discipline preferred (or equivalent work experience).
• 5+ years of quality inspection experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing (battery or energy storage systems strongly preferred).
• Strong knowledge of space industry standards (e.g., NASA-STD-8739, IPC-A-610/620, MIL-STD, AS9100).
• Proficient in using precision measurement equipment (micrometers, calipers, microscopes, CIRRIS tester, etc.).
• Experience with documentation tools (ERP/MES systems, inspection records, NCR systems).
• Familiarity with Arbin cyclers, environmental stress testing (vibration, TVAC, thermal cycling), and electrical performance verification a plus.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in cleanroom environments under strict ESD and contamination control procedures.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and inspection skills.
• Leadership and mentoring ability.
• Knowledge of root cause and corrective action (RCCA) methods.
• Commitment to aerospace quality and mission assurance.
• Hands-on, proactive approach with a continuous improvement mindset.

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.