Senior Satellite Mechanical Design Lead — Structures & Launch

AST SpaceMobile; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Lead Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer to drive the mechanical design of the complete satellite system from concept through launch, ensuring mass, power, and reliability targets are met. The role leads a team, uses CAD/PLM, performs design reviews, and collaborates with manufacturing to ensure smooth transfer of design data; travel up to 40% is required.

A Bachelor's in mechanical engineering and 15+ years in satellite design are required; an advanced degree is

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related technical field.
• 15+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, integration, and testing of satellites.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team responsible for the mechanical design of the complete satellite system, including bus structure, equipment accommodation, and payload accommodation, using CAD and PLM tools.
• Design, develop, model, and test satellite hardware — structures, mechanisms, electronics, and communications systems — with a focus on performance, size, weight, power, and reliability from concept through launch.
• Develop and maintain system‑level mechanical design documentation, including interface control drawings, manufacturing drawings, and test procedures.
• Create, maintain, and improve standards for engineering drawings, specifications, and design for manufacturability.
• Prepare and present the information required to conduct thorough design and readiness reviews with management and peers.
• Troubleshoot and investigate anomalies and failures, perform root‑cause analysis, and drive resolution.
• Partner with manufacturing and production teams to ensure efficient, clearly documented transfer of design information.
• Evaluate and champion new technologies and methods.

Skills

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) preferred

Tools

Siemens NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

CREO

FEA tools

PLM systems

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Lead Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer to drive the mechanical design of the complete satellite system from concept through launch, ensuring mass, power, and reliability targets are met. The role leads a team, uses CAD/PLM, performs design reviews, and collaborates with manufacturing to ensure smooth transfer of design data; travel up to 40% is required.

A Bachelor's in mechanical engineering and 15+ years in satellite design are required; an advanced degree is