Aerospace CAD & GD&T Design Checker

AST SpaceMobile; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile seeks a highly experienced CAD Design Checker for its Spacecraft Engineering team. You will serve as the technical authority for reviewing engineering drawings and 3D models, ensuring GD&T conformance to ASME Y14.5 for flight hardware and GSE.

You will mentor junior designers and drive GD&T training in space-flight contexts. The role collaborates with satellite systems, structural, thermal, manufacturing, and QA teams to identify design issues early in the lifecycle and maintain

Qualifications

• US Citizen
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field; equivalent combination of education and experience considered
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design checking or senior drafting in aerospace/space systems
• Expert-level GD&T per ASME Y14.5; GDTP certification preferred
• Proficiency in major aerospace CAD platforms (CATIA V5/V6, Creo, or NX); experience with MBD/PMI is a plus
• Experience with tolerance stack-up analyses for precision assemblies
• Familiarity with satellite manufacturing/assembly constraints (clean-room, surface finish standards) and flight hardware handling
• Experience with flight hardware configuration management and drawing release in PDM/PLM systems (Windchill, Teamcenter)
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to document findings precisely
• Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team and adapt in fast-paced environments

Responsibilities

• Review and check engineering drawings and 3D CAD designs for satellite structures, mechanisms, propulsion components, and avionics assemblies for accuracy and compliance with ASME Y14.5
• Verify GD&T callouts are clear and achievable within manufacturing constraints
• Perform and verify 1D/2D tolerance stack-up analyses for flight-critical interfaces
• Evaluate drawings for compatibility with space-qualified fabrication processes (CNC machining, composites, chemical etching, surface treatments)
• Issue redline markups and NCRs with disposition and track resolution to drawing release
• Support design reviews (PDR, CDR, MRR) by auditing drawing packages for ICDs and standards alignment
• Maintain and evolve drawing standards, templates, and GD&T training materials in line with program needs
• Mentor junior designers and provide formal GD&T training for aerospace drafting best practices

Skills

GD&T

Mechanical design checking

CATIA V5/V6

Creo

NX/Siemens

MBD/PMI

Tolerance analysis

Aerospace manufacturing

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

Creo

NX/Siemens

Job description

AST SpaceMobile seeks a highly experienced CAD Design Checker for its Spacecraft Engineering team. You will serve as the technical authority for reviewing engineering drawings and 3D models, ensuring GD&T conformance to ASME Y14.5 for flight hardware and GSE.

You will mentor junior designers and drive GD&T training in space-flight contexts. The role collaborates with satellite systems, structural, thermal, manufacturing, and QA teams to identify design issues early in the lifecycle and maintain