Machinist- Satellite Components

AST SpaceMobile; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile seeks a Machinist to set up and operate manual milling machines, lathes, drill presses to fabricate precision components for satellite hardware and tooling. You will work from engineering drawings, GD&T, and work instructions to produce metal, plastics, and composites.

The role supports production, engineering development, and manufacturing operations, requiring independent work with strong fundamentals, metrology skills, and a commitment to safe, reliable operation.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on experience with manual machining equipment.
• Ability to read blueprints and GD&T.
• Proficient with calipers, micrometers, indicators.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong machining fundamentals and shop math.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual milling machines, lathes, drill presses.
• Machine precision components to print specs.
• Interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Perform layout and dimensional verification.
• Troubleshoot issues and propose improvements.
• Maintain shop equipment and ensure safe operation.
• Support urgent production and prototype machining.

Skills

Manual machining

Blueprint reading

Metrology tools

Independent worker

Education

Technical degree or machinist training

Tools

Manual milling machines

Lathes

Drill presses

Job description

Position Summary

The Machinist is responsible for setting up and operating manual machining equipment to fabricate high-precision components used in satellite hardware, tooling, and ground support equipment. This role supports production, engineering development, and manufacturing operations through accurate, repeatable machining of metal, plastics, and composite materials.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and related equipment
• Machine precision components from raw stock to print specifications
• Fabricate, modify, and repair mechanical instruments, tooling, fixtures, and assembly aids
• Interpret and work from engineering drawings, GD&T, and work instructions
• Perform layout work, part inspection, and dimensional verification using standard metrology tools
• Troubleshoot machining issues and recommend process improvements
• Maintain and service shop equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation
• Support urgent production and prototype machining needs as required

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands‑on experience operating and setting up manual machining equipment
• Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, mechanical principles, and shop mathematics
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
• Experience operating manual mills, lathes, and drill presses
• Proficient with standard inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, indicators, etc.)
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of machining experience in aerospace or precision manufacturing
• Technical degree or formal machinist training
• Experience working with tight‑tolerance components
• Familiarity with composite materials machining
• Laser tracker experience

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.