Entry-Level Manufacturing Engineer ( Full Time & Part Time Available)

About Us

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.

Position Overview

AST is seeking entry-level Manufacturing Engineers for full-time positions or part-time internships supporting cylinder and composite overwrapped 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.

Key Responsibilities

· 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.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

· 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.

Preferred Qualifications

· 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 SolidWorks or another CAD system preferred.

Benefits

Job Type & Pay

· 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.

Why Join AST?

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