Mechanisms Manufacturing Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer to support assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft mechanisms in a hands-on, collaborative environment.

You will work with design, test, and production teams to ensure successful build, qualification, and delivery of space mechanisms and subsystems, including mechanism-level and subsystem-level testing and the development of testing requirements.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of aerospace or precision hardware assembly/test experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Experience with space-qualified mechanisms such as release devices, actuators, hinges, or deployment systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide manufacturing and test engineering support during build, integration, and verification phases.
• Lead mechanism-level and subsystem-level tests; develop testing requirements, materials, processes, and tooling (vibration, shock, TVAC, assembly).
• Participate in 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.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

AutoDesk Inventor

SolidWorks

NX

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 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 lbs
• Availability 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.