NDT Technician I, 1st Shift, Site 2

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.

Build Satellites. Apply in El Paso. Launch Your Career in Midland.

Have you worked in manufacturing, automotive, or mechanical assembly and want to take that skillset into something bigger? This is it. You’ll be building satellites and they don't get bigger than ours. If you have hands-on experience in manufacturing, automotive, or mechanical assembly, and are ready to apply those skills to something bigger, this is your opportunity. You’ll be contributing to the build of real satellite hardware, supporting one of the most advanced space manufacturing programs in the country.

This position is based in our satellite production facility in Midland, TX, with full relocation provided (details below).

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced NDT Technician I to support high-volume inspection of satellite components and assemblies. This role is responsible for performing non-destructive testing (NDT) to detect internal and surface defects in aerospace structures, including composites, metals, and bonded assemblies used in large phased-array satellite systems.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring product integrity, safety, and compliance with aerospace and regulatory standards. 

Compensation & Schedule

• Pay: DOE based on experience, with overtime opportunities. 
• Schedule: Standard shift is Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (4x10) with paid lunch and breaks.

What You’ll Do:

Inspection & Testing

• Perform NDT inspections using one or more of the following methods:
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
  • Radiographic Testing (RT)
  • Dye Penetrant Testing (PT)
  • Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
• Inspect composite materials (carbon fiber panels, antenna arrays) and metallic structures
• Identify discontinuities such as cracks, voids, delamination, and bonding defects

Production Support

• Execute inspections in a high-throughput manufacturing environment
• Support in-process and final inspections of satellite assemblies
• Work closely with production teams to minimize rework and delays

Documentation & Compliance

• Record and document inspection results in accordance with internal procedures and industry standards
• Ensure traceability of inspection data and materials
• Follow all AST, customer, and regulatory requirements (e.g., NAS-410, ASTM, internal specs)

Equipment Operation

• Set up, calibrate, and maintain NDT equipment
• Verify equipment performance prior to use
• Ensure compliance with calibration standards

What You Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Level II NDT Certification in one or more methods (UT, RT, PT, MT) in accordance with NAS-410 or equivalent
• 3+ years of hands-on NDT experience in aerospace, manufacturing, or industrial environments
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Strong attention to detail and defect recognition skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with composite materials (carbon fiber structures)
• Aerospace manufacturing experience
• Familiarity with large structural assemblies
• Experience in cleanroom or controlled environments

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to perform repetitive and precision tasks.
• Ability to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as required to perform job duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including talking and hearing.
• Ability to work in, on, around, and in proximity to large structures, equipment, and tooling.
• Ability to lift, push, and/or carry items up to 40 pounds as required.
• Ability to work near moving mechanical parts and equipment.
• Ability to work in and around tight or confined spaces.
• Ability to work in environments that may include exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and/or hazardous materials (e.g., carbon fiber).

If you are open to relocating to Midland, this can be a career changing, and life changing, move into the high-tech aerospace world offering a new skill set and job security in a very similar environment that will soon feel like home. We encourage you to apply to learn more about AST SpaceMobile and what Midland has to offer.

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.