Lead Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; Lanham (MD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Lead Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the mechanical design, analysis, and integration of satellite systems from concept through launch. You will oversee bus structure, equipment, and payload accommodations to meet mass, power, and reliability targets for launch and on‑orbit operations.

The role requires 15+ years of hands‑on satellite experience, strong CAD/PLM skills, and a track record leading small teams through full design cycles.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, integration, and testing of satellites.
• Experience leading small engineering teams through full design cycles.
• Strong technical skill in the design of satellite assemblies for launch and on-orbit environments.
• Experience using analytical tools, FEA, and classical structural analysis methods to support sizing and trade studies.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team responsible for the mechanical design of the complete satellite system, including bus structure, equipment accommodation, and payload accommodation, using CAD and PLM tools.
• Design, develop, model, and test satellite hardware - structures, mechanisms, electronics, and communications systems - with a focus on performance, size, weight, power, and reliability from concept through launch.
• Develop and maintain system‑level mechanical design documentation, including interface control drawings, manufacturing drawings, and test procedures.
• Create, maintain, and improve standards for engineering drawings, specifications, and design for manufacturability.
• Prepare and present the information required to conduct thorough design and readiness reviews with management and peers.
• Troubleshoot and investigate anomalies and failures, perform root‑cause analysis, and drive resolution.
• Partner with manufacturing and production teams to ensure efficient, clearly documented transfer of design information.
• Evaluate and champion new technologies and methods.

Skills

Team leadership

CAD/PLM coordination

System-level design

Engineering documentation

Root-cause analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Siemens NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

CREO

FEA

PLM systems

Job description

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 Lead Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer to support the mechanical design, analysis, and integration of satellite systems from concept through launch. This role is responsible for leading the mechanical design of the complete satellite system, including bus structure, equipment accommodation, and payload accommodation, to ensure designs meet performance, mass, volume, power, and reliability requirements for launch and on-orbit environments. The ideal candidate is innovative, technically rigorous, and collaborative, and thrives in a fast-paced environment that rewards challenging the status quo.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team responsible for the mechanical design of the complete satellite system, including bus structure, equipment accommodation, and payload accommodation, using CAD and PLM tools.
• Design, develop, model, and test satellite hardware - structures, mechanisms, electronics, and communications systems - with a focus on performance, size, weight, power, and reliability from concept through launch.
• Develop and maintain system‑level mechanical design documentation, including interface control drawings, manufacturing drawings, and test procedures.
• Create, maintain, and improve standards for engineering drawings, specifications, and design for manufacturability.
• Prepare and present the information required to conduct thorough design and readiness reviews with management and peers.
• Troubleshoot and investigate anomalies and failures, perform root‑cause analysis, and drive resolution.
• Partner with manufacturing and production teams to ensure efficient, clearly documented transfer of design information.
• Evaluate and champion new technologies and methods.

Education

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

Experience

• A minimum of 15 years of hands‑on experience in mechanical design, integration, and testing of satellites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong technical skill in the design of satellite assemblies for launch and on‑orbit environments, in addition to design for manufacturability.
• Experience using standard analytical tools, FEA, and classical structural analysis methods to support sizing and trade studies.
• Experience leading small engineering teams through full design cycles.
• Advanced degree in mechanical engineering or a related technical field.

Soft Skills

• Innovative and creative, 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 working assignments autonomously.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.

Technology Stack

• CAD software - Siemens NX preferred; CATIA, SolidWorks, or CREO also considered.
• PLM systems for design release and configuration management.
• FEA and standard structural analysis tools.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Willingness to travel 25%-40% 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.