Mechanisms Manufacturing Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile seeks a motivated Mechanisms Engineer to support assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft mechanisms. The role involves hands-on work with design, test, and production teams to ensure successful build, qualification, and delivery of space mechanisms.

The candidate will bring 2–5 years of aerospace hardware experience, strong CAD/LabVIEW skills, and a detail-oriented mindset to improve manufacturing flow and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 2–5 years of aerospace or precision hardware experience.
• Experience with space-qualified mechanisms is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide manufacturing and test support during build, integration and verification.
• Lead mechanism-level and subsystem tests; develop testing requirements and tooling.
• Contribute to design and analysis to determine AIT strategies at system/spacecraft levels.
• Provide inputs to optimize manufacturing flow, cost, and layout.
• Prepare product and process reports by collecting and analyzing data.
• Perform design/analysis per engineering standards and program requirements.
• Troubleshoot anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, drive resolution.
• Support iterative mechanism design improvements from test and production findings.

Skills

Mechanisms engineering

Aerospace hardware

Test execution

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical/Aerospace

Tools

CAD Software

LabVIEW

PDM/PLM

MS Office

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 highly motivated and detail-oriented Mechanisms Engineer to support the assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of spacecraft mechanisms. The candidate will work hands-on in a dynamic environment, collaborating closely with design, test, and production teams to ensure successful build, qualification, and delivery of space mechanisms and subsystems.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide manufacturing and test engineering support to Production during build, integration, and verification phases
• Perform and lead mechanism-level and subsystem-level tests; develop testing requirements, materials, processes, and tooling (vibration, shock, TVAC, assembly)
• Participate in and execute design, analysis, and system trade studies to determine mechanism AIT strategies at system and spacecraft levels
• Provide inputs to Design Engineering to optimize manufacturing flow, cost, and layout
• Prepare detailed product and process reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data
• Execute design and analysis using sound engineering principles while adhering to company standards and program requirements
• Troubleshoot and investigate anomalies and failures, perform root-cause analysis, and drive resolution
• Participate in iterative mechanism design improvements based on findings in test and production

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Experience

Minimum of 2–5 years of relevant experience in aerospace or precision hardware assembly/test.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with space-qualified mechanisms (e.g., release devices, actuators, hinges, latches, deployment systems)
• Familiarity with root cause and corrective action (RCCA) methodologies and nonconformance resolution
• Working knowledge of ECAD/MCAD integration, configuration control, and product data management systems
• Experience supporting vibration, shock, and TVAC test campaigns
• Understanding of cleanroom practices and contamination control
• Preferred certifications: IPC-A-610/J-STD-001, NASA-STD-8739 or ECSS-Q-ST-70 standards, AS9100, Six Sigma

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering and production teams
• Proven problem-solving mindset and ownership mentality
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy of documentation and project deliverables
• Proactive, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Technology Stack

• CAD Tools: AutoDesk Inventor, SolidWorks, NX, or Creo
• Analysis Tools: FEA experience is a plus
• Data/Documentation Systems: Fusion or equivalent PDM/PLM tools
• General Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
• Test/Data Acquisition: LabVIEW or similar systems (preferred)

Physical Requirements

• Capable of working hands-on with flight hardware, test setups, and precision instruments
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 lbsAvailability for occasional extended shifts
• Night shift/weekend shift availability

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.