Senior Satellite Mechanical Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; Midland (TX); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Midland, TX is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support spacecraft mechanical systems development. In this role, you will be responsible for mechanical design, system integration, and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with over 10 years of relevant experience and proficient in CAD tools such as Autodesk Inventor. This position offers a dynamic work environment and opportunities for technical innovation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical design and integration.
• Experience with spacecraft components and systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform spacecraft mechanical system layout studies.
• Develop mechanical and structural design documents.
• Troubleshoot mechanical anomalies.
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies.

Skills

Collaborative skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Ability to troubleshoot

Adaptability

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

CATIA

SolidWorks

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.

Summary

The Senior Mechanical Engineer supports satellite mechanical systems and payload development across systems engineering, mechanical design, structural analysis support, assembly, integration, and test activities. This role requires strong technical capability, creativity, and the willingness to challenge traditional approaches. The engineer will collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, lead small groups as needed, and manage assignments with a high degree of autonomy to advance spacecraft mechanical architecture, performance, and manufacturability.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform spacecraft mechanical system and payload layout studies to optimize architecture for simplicity, performance, mass, and cost.
• Develop and maintain mechanical and structural design documentation at the system and equipment level, including manufacturing drawings, interface control drawings (ICDs), assembly/process documentation, and test plans.
• Prepare and present technical content for design reviews, readiness reviews, and engineering checkpoints.
• Troubleshoot mechanical anomalies and failures; conduct root-cause analyses and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing and production teams to ensure effective transfer of designs, processes, and technical information.
• Evaluate, promote, and integrate new technologies, methods, and processes to improve mechanical design and production efficiency.
• Track drawing release progress to meet program schedules and business objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of hands‑on experience in mechanical design, integration, and testing of spacecraft and spacecraft components.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with launch vehicle integration.
• Familiarity with Autodesk Inventor (preferred), CATIA, SolidWorks, or CREO.
• Demonstrated ability to design spacecraft assemblies for launch and on‑orbit environments, including design for manufacturability.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate within cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail to ensure accuracy in technical documentation and engineering deliverables.
• Adaptability and comfort working in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Technology Stack

• CAD: Autodesk Inventor (preferred), CATIA, SolidWorks, CREO.
• Standard engineering analysis and documentation tools.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and operate a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional hands‑on work in assembly, integration, and testing environments.

Additional Information

This job description may not be fully inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed according to program or business requirements.

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.