New

Mechanical Design Engineer

US - Remote

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 Overview

We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support satellite mechanical subsystem and payload development programs. This role is responsible for structural architecture layout, primary and secondary structure design, analysis, assembly, and test support, including detailed design definition of parts and assemblies, management of mechanical interfaces between subsystems, and the analysis reports, interface control drawings, and manufacturing documentation that accompany them. The ideal candidate is innovative, hands-on, and thrives in fast-paced, cross-functional technical environments, capable of leading a small team while also executing assignments autonomously. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform mechanical design and computer-aided modeling of space hardware, including final detailed design definition of parts and assemblies and management of mechanical interfaces between subsystems.
  • Conduct structural, mechanical system, and satellite payload equipment layout studies to determine optimal system architecture in terms of simplicity, performance, mass, and cost.
  • Develop and maintain mechanical and structural design documentation at system and equipment level: mechanical analysis reports, interface control drawings, tooling and fixturing, and manufacturing documentation.
  • Support creation of developmental and qualification test procedures (vibration, shock, TVAC, assembly).
  • Prepare and present the information required to conduct thorough design and readiness reviews with management and peers.
  • Coordinate with manufacturing and production to ensure successful transfer of information and that efficient processes are understood and documented.
  • Evaluate and champion new technologies and methods. 

Qualifications 

Education:

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field; an advanced degree is preferred.

Experience:

A minimum of 12 years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, integration, and testing of spacecraft and spacecraft components. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong technical skill in design of satellite assemblies for launch and on-orbit environments, as well as design for manufacturability.
  • Experience using standard analytical tools and classical structural analysis methods to support sizing and trade studies.
  • Knowledge of, or experience with, launch vehicle integration.
  • Experience operating in a Windchill PLM environment.
  • Advanced degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. 

Soft Skills:

  • Innovative and creative approach to problem solving, with a willingness to challenge the status quo.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team with other engineers.
  • Ability to lead a small team while also carrying assignments autonomously.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Excellent English written and verbal communication skills. 

Technology Stack:

  • CAD: Siemens NX preferred; CATIA, SolidWorks, or CREO also considered.
  • PLM / product data management: Windchill.
  • Standard analytical tools and classical structural analysis methods for sizing and trade studies. 

Physical Requirements 

  • Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
  • Willingness to travel 25%–50% of the time.

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.

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

Resume/CV

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in AST SpaceMobile’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Select...
Select...
Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.