Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Spacecraft Payload

AST SpaceMobile; Lanham (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is 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, and management of mechanical interfaces between subsystems.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years of hands‑on experience in mechanical design, integration, and testing of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years hands-on experience in mechanical design, integration, and testing of spacecraft and components.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical design and CAD modeling of space hardware, including final detailed design of parts and assemblies and managing interfaces between subsystems.
• Conduct structural and mechanical system layout studies to determine optimal system architecture in terms of simplicity, performance, mass and cost.
• Develop and maintain mechanical and structural design documentation: analysis reports, interface control drawings, tooling/fixturing, and manufacturing documentation.
• Support development of developmental and qualification test procedures (vibration, shock, TVAC, assembly).
• Prepare information for design and readiness reviews with management and peers.
• Coordinate with manufacturing/production to ensure smooth transfer of information and documentation.
• Evaluate and champion new technologies and methods.

Skills

Mechanical design

Structural analysis

Team leadership

Windchill PLM

CAD tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Siemens NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

CREO

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is 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, and management of mechanical interfaces between subsystems.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years of hands‑on experience in mechanical design, integration, and testing of