Product Manager – Spacecraft Systems (LEO Satellites)

AST & Science, LLC; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile in Midland, TX seeks an execution-driven Technical Product Manager to own end-to-end delivery of electrical and mechanical subsystems for our LEO satellite platform. This role intersects engineering and operations, driving purchase orders, supplier management, and on-time subsystem delivery in a fast-paced startup.

You will translate program goals into daily execution plans, coordinate with engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing, and push for risk resolution while

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's in Electrical/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering.
• 3–8 years in hardware development, supply chain, or technical program management.
• Experience with complex electrical/mechanical systems (aerospace, automotive, robotics, energy).

Responsibilities

• Own delivery of spacecraft subsystems (structures, power electronics, harnessing, propulsion).
• Translate program goals into aggressive daily/weekly execution plans.
• Drive sprint planning, stand-ups, and execution tracking across engineering and supply chain.
• Identify risks early and push for timely resolution.

Skills

Execution mindset

Strong communicator

Ownership

Ambiguity tolerance

Urgency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Engineering drawings & BOM management tools

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 an execution-driven Technical Product Manager to own the end-to-end delivery of complex electrical and mechanical subsystems for our LEO satellite platform. This is not a traditional product management role—it is built for operators who thrive in ambiguity, move with urgency, and close gaps across engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering and operations, with direct responsibility for driving purchase orders, managing suppliers, tracking hardware builds, and ensuring on-time subsystem delivery in a high-intensity startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

Program Execution & Ownership

• Own delivery of critical spacecraft subsystems (structures, power electronics, harnessing, propulsion, etc.)
• Translate high-level program goals into aggressive daily and weekly execution plans
• Drive sprint planning, stand-ups, and execution tracking across engineering and supply chain
• Identify risks early and aggressively push for resolution

Supply Chain & Vendor Management

• Generate, track, and manage Purchase Orders (POs) end-to-end
• Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers for electrical and mechanical components
• Maintain frequent communication with vendors to monitor build progress
• Hold suppliers accountable to schedule, cost, and quality targets
• Travel to supplier sites as needed to resolve issues

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Serve as the connective layer between electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test teams
• Ensure designs translate into manufacturable, deliverable hardware
• Align engineering timelines with procurement and supply chain realities
• Support integration and test readiness, including system-level builds

Hardware Build Tracking

• Track progress of complex assemblies across vendors and internal teams
• Maintain real-time visibility into part shortages, delays, and risks
• Drive fast decision-making in constrained or ambiguous situations

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering

Experience

• 3–8 years of experience in hardware development, supply chain, or technical program/product management
• Experience working with complex electrical and/or mechanical systems (aerospace, automotive, robotics, energy, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in LEO satellite or aerospace hardware development
• Familiarity with power systems, harnessing, PCBs, structures, or propulsion
• Experience in a startup or high-growth environment
• Hands-on engineering experience (building, testing, or debugging hardware)

Soft Skills

• Relentless execution mindset with strong follow-through
• High sense of urgency and ability to operate on aggressive timelines
• Technically fluent with the ability to challenge engineers and suppliers
• Low ego with high ownership; willing to step in wherever needed
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and rapid change
• Strong communicator—clear, direct, and persistent

Technology Stack

• Engineering drawings and BOM management tools
• Hardware development lifecycle tools and systems
• Supply chain and procurement systems (PO management)
• Cross-functional planning and execution tracking tools

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel to supplier sites as needed
• Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments
• Capability to support extended hours in a fast-paced, high-demand setting

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.