Mechanical Harness Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; Lanham (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a skilled Mechanical Harness Engineer to design and develop electrical harnesses for Low Earth Orbit satellite systems. The role includes collaborating with engineers, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and conducting testing.

The ideal candidate has a degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and 3–5 years of relevant experience. Strong problem-solving, communication skills, and attention to detail are essential. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking satellite projects.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in electrical harness design for aerospace or space applications.
• Experience with high-reliability harness design for small satellites or CubeSats.
• Knowledge of space-rated materials and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical harnesses for LEO satellite systems.
• Collaborate with engineers to define harness specifications.
• Create detailed harness drawings and manage documentation.

Skills

Electrical harness design

Collaboration within cross-functional teams

Problem-solving abilities

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD tools: Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360 PLM, Vault

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 highly skilled and detail-oriented Mechanical Harness Engineer to join our dynamic team working on state‑of‑the‑art Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems. In this role, you will design, develop, and integrate electrical harnesses that form the backbone of the satellite’s electrical system, ensuring reliable and efficient power and data transfer for successful missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical harnesses for LEO satellite systems, considering mission requirements, space constraints, thermal considerations, and EMC requirements.
• Collaborate with system engineers, electrical designers, and mechanical engineers to define harness specifications and design constraints.
• Create and manage detailed harness drawings, including cable/wire routing, connector selection, splicing, and termination plans using CAD tools.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., IPC-WHMA-A-620, ECSS-E-HB-10-10) and space agency requirements.
• Conduct analyses and simulations to verify mechanical integrity, electrical performance, and environmental resistance.
• Support fabrication, assembly, and testing of harnesses, providing guidance to ensure quality and adherence to specifications.
• Perform in‑house testing and validation, including continuity checks, insulation resistance, and signal integrity testing.
• Collaborate with suppliers to source space‑qualified components while maintaining cost‑effectiveness and schedule adherence.
• Document all design and testing activities, including procedures, reports, and design changes.
• Participate in design reviews and cross‑functional meetings, providing technical insights for optimization.
• Assist in troubleshooting harness‑related issues during integration, testing, and in‑orbit operations.
• Stay current with advancements in harness technologies and explore opportunities for innovation.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in electrical harness design for aerospace or space applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high‑reliability harness design for small satellites, CubeSats, or nano/microsatellites.
• Knowledge of space‑rated materials and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with thermal analysis and thermal management techniques.
• Previous work with major aerospace agencies or satellite manufacturers.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation and design.

Technology Stack

• CAD tools: Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360 PLM, and Vault
• Familiarity with harness design standards and schematic capture tools.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to work in clean room production environment.
• Occasional hands‑on work in lab environments for testing and validation.

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.