Entry-Level Manufacturing Engineer

Advanced Structural Technologies (AST) is a leading manufacturer specializing in forged, flow-formed, and machined products for the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. With over 25 years of experience, AST has built a strong reputation for precision engineering, innovation, and high-quality manufacturing. Located in Oxnard, California, AST operates out of cutting-edge facilities. AST employs skilled professionals across multi-shift operations, ensuring efficiency, precision, and timely delivery for mission-critical industries.

AST is seeking entry-level Manufacturing Engineers for full-time positions or part-time internships supporting cylinder and composite over wrapped pressure vessel (COPV) products. This opportunity offers hands‑on learning in metal spinning and flow forming while working under the guidance of experienced engineers, operators, and technicians.

The engineers will assist with production‑floor support, process documentation, tooling reviews, production trials, and data analysis. Candidates with 1–3 years of manufacturing or related engineering experience are preferred; internships and co‑op experience are welcome. Prior spinning or flow forming experience is not required. The ideal candidates are eager to learn, comfortable in a shop‑floor environment, and interested in building a career in manufacturing engineering.

• Support manufacturing processes for cylinder and COPV products under the guidance of experienced engineers.
• Learn metal spinning and flow forming processes, including equipment, tooling, setup parameters, material behavior, and quality requirements.
• Assist engineers, operators, and technicians with production trials, setup evaluations, and troubleshooting manufacturing issues.
• Collect and analyze production and inspection data to identify opportunities to reduce scrap, improve quality, and increase efficiency.
• Assist with reviewing engineering drawings, tooling, mandrels, and fixtures for manufacturability and production needs.
• Prepare and update process sheets, work instructions, setup records, and other engineering documentation.
• Support new‑product introductions and process improvement projects with Engineering, Production, and Quality.
• Follow safety procedures and assist with documenting process changes and evaluating their results.

• Interest in an entry‑level manufacturing engineering role and willingness to learn spinning and flow forming.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, industrial engineering, or a related engineering field; students currently pursuing a related engineering degree will be considered for the internship.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and mechanical principles through coursework, projects, or work experience.
• Willingness to work hands‑on in a production‑floor environment alongside operators and technicians.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a practical approach to problem‑solving.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and interpret basic dimensional and inspection information.
• Clear communication and organizational skills; proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.

• 1–3 years of manufacturing or related engineering experience preferred; relevant internships and co‑op experience will be considered.
• Exposure to metal forming, machining, tooling, or inspection methods is a plus.
• Familiarity with Solid Works or another CAD system preferred.

• Full‑time Manufacturing Engineer positions or part‑time engineering internships, in person in Oxnard, California.
• Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week for full‑time employees.
• Part‑time internship hours will be coordinated around school schedules and department needs.
• Pay Range: $75,000–$95,000 per year for the full‑time position, commensurate with experience. Compensation for the part‑time internship will be discussed separately.

At AST, we believe in fostering a work environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a robust benefits package for full‑time employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Company‑Sponsored Life Insurance
• Short‑term and Long‑term Disability Coverage
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave