Engineering Technician - Entry Level

About Us

Advanced Structural Technologies (AST) is a leading manufacturer of forged, spun, and machined products for the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. Based in Oxnard, California, we operate across 250,000+ sq. ft. of modern facilities and employ approximately 200 skilled professionals. Our customers include some of the most demanding names in aerospace and defense, and we take pride in delivering precision components on time, every time.

Position Overview

AST is looking for a motivated, hands-on Engineering Technician to join our Spin division on the production floor. This is an entry-level position well-suited for a recent graduate or someone with a technical background who is eager to apply their skills in a real-world manufacturing environment.

In this role, you’ll work directly alongside experienced engineers and operators on our metal spinning equipment — supporting setups, making offsets and program adjustments, and assisting with tooling design modifications in SolidWorks. This is not a desk job — you’ll be on the floor every day, learning the craft of metal spinning and building the technical foundation for a long-term career in advanced manufacturing. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and genuinely enjoys hands-on work.

Core Responsibilities

Machine Setup & Process Support

• Assist engineers with setups on metal spinning equipment, including cylinder, COPV, and tube product configurations
• Make tool offsets and dimensional adjustments under engineering direction to maintain part conformance
• Support equipment changeovers, including tooling swaps, roller and mandrel installation, and first-article verification
• Monitor spinning operations and make real-time adjustments to maintain process stability and part quality

Program Adjustment

• Make adjustments to spinning machine programs under engineering direction to correct dimensional non-conformances
• Develop familiarity with CNC control interfaces used on AST’s spinning equipment
• Document program changes and communicate updates to engineering for review and approval
• Assist in developing and refining programs for new part setups and process improvements

Tooling Design Support

• Support engineering in modifying spinning tooling designs using SolidWorks
• Assist with the creation and revision of mandrels, rollers, fixtures, and other spin tooling components
• Translate floor observations and dimensional feedback into actionable design changes
• Maintain organized tooling documentation and revision history

Inspection & Documentation

• Perform in-process inspections using precision measuring tools including calipers, micrometers, and height gauges
• Verify dimensional conformance against engineering drawings and traveler requirements
• Document production data, inspection results, and process observations accurately
• Escalate non-conformances to engineering or quality for disposition

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field — or equivalent hands-on experience
• Mechanically inclined with a strong desire to work on the production floor
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software is a plus
• Exposure to CNC programming or machine control interfaces is a plus
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and GD&T
• Familiarity with precision measuring tools and inspection techniques
• Strong attention to detail and a problem-solving mindset
• Metal spinning experience is not required — we will train the right person

Why Join AST?

At AST, we invest in our people. 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, Vacation, and Sick Leave