Harness Manufacturing and Production Technician

AST SpaceMobile; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile in Midland, TX seeks a Harness Manufacturing and Production Technician to assemble, inspect, and test electrical harnesses for LEO satellite systems. You will work in a cleanroom/ESD environment, following IPC/WHMA-A-620 and aerospace standards.

You will cut, strip, crimp, terminate wires, install harnesses on structures, and record test results and non-conformances while collaborating with engineering to resolve issues.

Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or satellite harness manufacturing.
• Proficiency in crimping, soldering, wire stripping, and connector assembly.
• Experience in cleanroom or ESD-protected production environments.

Responsibilities

• Harness assembly and fabrication per drawings and work instructions.
• Install harness assemblies onto satellite structures and integrate with subsystems.
• Perform electrical testing and inspection per IPC/WHMA-A-620 and aerospace standards.
• Document non-conformances and support root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

Skills

Crimping

Soldering

Wire stripping

Connector assembly

Cable harness dressing

Education

High school diploma or technical certificate

IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification or equivalent aerospace wire harness training

Tools

CIRRIS

Hi-Pot testers

Multimeters

Job description

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.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Harness Manufacturing and Production Technician who will be responsible for the assembly, integration, inspection, and testing of electrical harnesses, cable assemblies, and interconnects used in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems. This role requires high attention to detail, adherence to aerospace manufacturing standards, and hands‑on expertise in wire preparation, harness fabrication, and quality verification in a cleanroom or controlled production environment. This position is located in Midland, TX. This is not a remote role.

Key Responsibilities

• Harness Assembly & Fabrication
  • Cut, strip, crimp, and terminate wires and cables to engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
  • Build and route electrical harnesses and cable assemblies for LEO satellite subsystems.
  • Perform precision soldering, splicing, and connector installation per aerospace specifications.
  • Apply lacing, braiding, heat-shrink, and other harness protection methods.
• Installation & Integration
  • Install harness assemblies onto satellite structures and subsystems.
  • Route, dress, and secure harnesses while maintaining proper bend radius and strain relief.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve integration challenges.
• Testing & Inspection
  • Perform electrical continuity and insulation resistance testing using tools such as CIRRIS testers, Hi-Pot testers, and multimeters.
  • Conduct visual inspection per IPC/WHMA-A-620 and other aerospace standards.
  • Document non-conformances and assist in root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Documentation & Process Control
  • Interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and assembly instructions.
  • Accurately complete production travelers, quality records, and test reports.
  • Follow ESD, FOD, and cleanroom protocols to maintain a high-quality production environment.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or technical certificate; associate degree preferred.
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification or equivalent aerospace wire harness training.

Experience

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or satellite harness manufacturing.
• Proficiency in crimping, soldering, wire stripping, connector assembly, and cable harness dressing.
• Knowledge of electrical test equipment (CIRRIS, Hi-Pot, ohmmeters, multimeters).
• Familiarity with LEO satellite electrical systems and space-grade materials (Teflon wire, heat shrink, etc.).
• Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and ability to work with small components.
• Comfortable working in cleanroom and ESD‑protected environments.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and schematics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in satellite or aerospace production environments.
• Familiarity with NASA and ESA workmanship standards (NASA-STD-8739 series).
• Experience with harness routing in tight satellite configurations.
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement mindset.

Soft Skills

• Able to handle small parts and perform precise, repetitive tasks like soldering and crimping.
• Ability to see small details on drawings and inspect work (with or without glasses).
• Able to sit or stand for long periods.
• Able to move around the production area.
• Frequently reach, bend, kneel, and work in tight or awkward spaces.
• Lift and carry materials up to 40 lbs.
• Comfortable wearing required cleanroom gear (gown, mask, gloves) for an entire shift.
• Able to follow strict safety protocols for a controlled environment.

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.