Mechanical Design Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to support satellite mechanical subsystems and payload development. You will shape structural layouts, perform detailed designs, and manage mechanical interfaces across subsystems while leading a small team and delivering documentation for interfaces, analyses, and manufacturing.

The role emphasizes hands-on hardware work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with travel up to 50%.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of hands-on mechanical design, integration and test of spacecraft components.
• Experience with space hardware, launch vehicle interfaces, and manufacturability.
• Strong ability to lead small teams and work autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed mechanical design and CAD modeling for space hardware and interfaces.
• Conduct structural layouts and payload equipment studies for optimum architecture.
• Develop mechanical documentation: analysis reports, drawings, tooling and fixtures.
• Support development and qualification testing (vibration, shock, TVAC, assembly).
• Prepare design reviews and collaborate with manufacturing for transfer of information.
• Champion new technologies and cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Spacecraft Structures

Structural Analysis

CAD & Modeling

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Windchill PLM

Siemens NX

CATIA / SolidWorks / CREO

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 Mechanical Design Engineer to support satellite mechanical subsystem and payload development programs. This role is responsible for structural architecture layout, primary and secondary structure design, analysis, assembly, and test support, including detailed design definition of parts and assemblies, management of mechanical interfaces between subsystems, and the analysis reports, interface control drawings, and manufacturing documentation that accompany them. The ideal candidate is innovative, hands-on, and thrives in fast-paced, cross‑functional technical environments, capable of leading a small team while also executing assignments autonomously.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform mechanical design and computer‑aided modeling of space hardware, including final detailed design definition of parts and assemblies and management of mechanical interfaces between subsystems.
• Conduct structural, mechanical system, and satellite payload equipment layout studies to determine optimal system architecture in terms of simplicity, performance, mass, and cost.
• Develop and maintain mechanical and structural design documentation at system and equipment level: mechanical analysis reports, interface control drawings, tooling and fixturing, and manufacturing documentation.
• Support creation of developmental and qualification test procedures (vibration, shock, TVAC, assembly).
• Prepare and present the information required to conduct thorough design and readiness reviews with management and peers.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and production to ensure successful transfer of information and that efficient processes are understood and documented.
• Evaluate and champion new technologies and methods.

Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

A minimum of 12 years of hands‑on experience in mechanical design, integration, and testing of spacecraft and spacecraft components.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong technical skill in design of satellite assemblies for launch and on‑orbit environments, as well as design for manufacturability.
• Experience using standard analytical tools and classical structural analysis methods to support sizing and trade studies.
• Knowledge of, or experience with, launch vehicle integration.
• Experience operating in a Windchill PLM environment.
• Advanced degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.

Soft Skills:

• Innovative and creative approach to problem solving, 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 carrying assignments autonomously.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.

Technology Stack:

• CAD: Siemens NX preferred; CATIA, SolidWorks, or CREO also considered.
• PLM / product data management: Windchill.
• Standard analytical tools and classical structural analysis methods for sizing and trade studies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Willingness to travel 25%–50% 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.