Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Design Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; 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, management of mechanical interfaces between subsystems, and the analysis reports, interface control drawings, and manufacturing documentation that accompany them.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years hands-on experience in mechanical design, integration, and testing of spacecraft.
• Experience with satellite assemblies for launch and on-orbit environments; design for manufacturability.
• Familiarity with Windchill PLM and standard analytical tools for sizing & trade studies.
• Strong leadership, problem solving, and communication skills in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical design and CAD modeling of space hardware, including final detailed design and interfaces.
• Conduct layout studies to optimize system architecture for simplicity, performance, mass, and cost.
• Develop and maintain mechanical design documentation and manufacturing data.
• Create developmental and qualification test procedures (vibration, shock, TVAC, assembly).
• Prepare materials for design and readiness reviews with management and peers.
• Coordinate with manufacturing for smooth transfer of information and processes.
• Evaluate and champion new technologies and methods.

Skills

Innovative problem solving

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Leadership

Communication

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Siemens NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

CREO

Windchill

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, management of mechanical interfaces between subsystems, and the analysis reports, interface control drawings, and manufacturing documentation that accompany them.