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. 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. 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