MANUFACTURING DESIGN ENGINEER

ABOUT AST

Advanced Structural Technologies (AST) designs and manufactures forged, flow-formed, spun, and machined structural components for the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. With over 25 years of experience, AST has built a reputation for precision engineering, innovation, and high-quality manufacturing on parts where there is no margin for error.

Headquartered in Oxnard, California, and operating across multiple production facilities, AST employs approximately 200 skilled professionals in multi-shift operations. Our components fly on programs for customers including SpaceX, Blue Origin, Firefly, Impulse Space, and the U.S. Army — mission-critical hardware, built by people who take it personally.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We're looking for a Manufacturing Design Engineer who will spend the majority of their time in SolidWorks — modeling parts and tooling, generating drawings, and turning customer requirements into manufacturable designs. This is a design-focused, entry-level role for someone early in their career who wants to build real CAD and drafting skill on hardware that ships to real customers.

Alongside the design work, you'll get regular, structured time on the machine shop floor — enough to see how your designs actually get made and to design smarter because of it. If you're happiest at the CAD station but want your models grounded in how parts are actually built, this role is built for you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Develop 3D models and 2D technical drawings for new products and associated tooling using SolidWorks.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and requirements to design process flows and tooling layouts that meet quality and performance standards.
• Initiate, issue, and revise engineering drawings, manufacturing specifications, and work instructions.
• Provide CAD and design support to manufacturing, sales, and customers to troubleshoot issues and optimize designs.
• Maintain accurate, organized engineering records, CAD files, and revision histories.
• Spend regular time on the shop floor alongside senior engineers to see how your designs translate into finished parts, and support tooling development and process improvement initiatives.
• Contribute ideas for cost reduction, quality improvement, and cycle-time reduction

WHAT MAKES YOU A GREAT FIT

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field — recent grads and upcoming grads welcome to apply.
• Strong SolidWorks skills (or equivalent CAD, e.g. Fusion 360) developed through coursework, internships, or independent projects.
• 0–2 years of professional experience — we weigh substantial hands-on project experience (senior design, robotics or competition teams, research projects, personal builds) the same as an internship.
• A track record of taking ownership: leading a team, managing a project timeline, or seeing a build through from concept to finished product.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to produce clear, manufacturable drawings and technical documentation.
• Genuine curiosity about how things are manufactured, not just how they're designed — familiarity with hand and shop tools (bandsaw, drill press, mill, etc.) is a plus, but not required.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift daily.
• Clear communicator, equally comfortable talking with engineers, machinists, and customers.

HOW YOU'LL GROW

This role is built as a development track, not a static job description.

• Structured mentorship from senior design and manufacturing engineers.
• Regular, guided exposure to the shop — seeing your own drawings become parts.
• Increasing ownership of projects and customer interfaces as you demonstrate capability.
• A clear path toward a Manufacturing/Design Engineer II role as your skills develop.

WHY JOIN AST?

We believe in fostering a work environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a competitive benefits package, 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

If you're a motivated, detail-oriented engineer who wants to build real CAD and design skill while staying connected to how parts are actually made, we encourage you to apply. AST is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful workplace for all employees.