MES Systems Engineer (Tulip Developer)

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 Summary 

AST SpaceMobile is seeking an MES Systems Engineer (Tulip Developer) to join our Enterprise Applications team, specializing in Tulip interfaces and integrations. As an integral part of the manufacturing process, the MES Systems Engineer will design, develop, configure, implement, and maintain Tulip-based MES applications that streamline production, improve data visibility, and ensure accurate data flows between MES, ERP, and PLM systems. 

The successful candidate will actively support integrations, Manufacturing Bills of Material (BOMs), routings, work centers, work instructions, and dashboards, while maintaining MES solutions tailored to business requirements and manufacturing processes. This role partners closely with engineering, operations, and quality teams to translate real-world manufacturing needs into robust, user-friendly Tulip solutions that enable scalability and efficiency. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop, configure, and maintain Tulip MES applications (apps, connectors, triggers, dashboards) to support production workflows, digital work instructions, traceability, and “as-built” history. 

• Administer Tulip environments, including user and role management, system configuration, and integration with ERP, PLM, and shop floor devices (barcode/RFID, test stations, Edge IO). 

• Design and maintain dashboards, reports, and data tools to provide visibility into KPIs, compliance metrics, and production status. 

• Collaborate with stakeholders to capture requirements, translate them into technical designs, perform testing, and support UAT and production rollout. 

• Document system designs, configurations, and standard work; establish auditing and change control processes for engineering changes and releases. 

• Monitor and resolve data synchronization issues across CAD, PLM, ERP, and MES; implement systemic rules and automation to improve data quality and user experience. 

• Serve as the primary Jira support contact for MES/Tulip requests; manage ticket triage, tracking, and reporting to Manufacturing and IT leadership. 

• Mentor and train engineers and technicians on Tulip concepts, app usage, and best practices; drive continuous improvement initiatives on the shop floor. 

• Ensure compliance with data integrity, cybersecurity, and system validation standards. 

• Assist with license usage optimization and cost control for MES tools. 

Required Qualifications 

• Minimum 4 years of experience administering, configuring, and developing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), including at least 2 years of hands-on Tulip experience (app building, connectors, triggers, dashboards). 

• Strong knowledge of ERP and PLM integrations, shop floor devices (PCs, scanners, RFID), and product lifecycle management; prior experience with CAD, PLM, and ERP systems preferred. 

• Proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language (Java, Python, or C-family languages); database development skills a plus. 

• Demonstrated ability to gather requirements, create technical solution designs, perform testing (including UAT), and deliver production-ready implementations. 

• Experience with change management, bill of materials, routings, and document control processes. 

• Skilled in MS Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, MS Project) and capable of working across multiple web platforms. 

• Strong analytical and technical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently or in fast-paced, cross-functional teams; leadership experience preferred. 

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• 8 years MES experience and 4 years Tulip. 

• Several implementations with the Tulip MES platform (app building, connectors, triggers, dashboards) and familiarity with other MES systems such as Solumina, Apriso, Rockwell FactoryTalk Production Centre, Siemens OpsCenter, or FLEX. 

• Experience in aerospace or high-mix manufacturing environments, preferably in fast-paced or start-up settings where adaptability and empowerment are key. 

• Knowledge of ERP/PLM systems and integrations, including NetSuite ERP, Inventor CAD, and Fusion 360 Manage (or similar); prior experience with CAD and PLM tools preferred. 

• Familiarity with Power BI for analytics and Node.js for custom tooling; experience with API-based connectors and third-party integration tools. 

• Knowledge of change management and revision processes. 

• Understanding of lean manufacturing and digital transformation concepts. 

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and 3D models. 

Technology Stack 

• MES Platform: Tulip (App Editor, Triggers, Connectors, Dashboards, Restlets to NetSuite ERP). 

• Integrations: ERP, PLM, and custom APIs. 

• IoT & Device Connectivity: Edge IO, REST APIs, barcode/RFID, and data acquisition from test stations. 

• Collaboration & Analytics: Jira for task management; Power BI for analytics (preferred); PagerDuty. 

• Automation & Hardware Interfaces: Digital work instructions, barcode scanners, and test station connectivity. 

Work Location & Schedule 

On-site in Midland, TX. Limited remote flexibility may be evaluated based on role needs and manufacturing support windows. 

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands. 

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.