Structural Technician Lead (Dayshift Mon-Thurs 7:30am-5:30pm) (El Paso, TX → Midland, TX)

AST SpaceMobile; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Life insurance

PTO / sick leave

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile in Midland, TX, is looking for a Lead Structural Technician to oversee satellite structural component assembly. This hands-on leadership position blends technical skill and team coordination to ensure quality output. Candidates should have at least 1 year of manufacturing experience and be proficient with composite and metallic structures. The role offers competitive pay, a structured schedule, and comprehensive benefits, with relocation support for candidates willing to move to Midland.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1+ year in aerospace, manufacturing, or mechanical assembly.
• Technical training or degree preferred.
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced production environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead small teams of technicians while participating in structural assembly work.
• Assign and prioritize work based on production needs.
• Interpret and apply blueprints and work instructions.

Skills

Team coordination

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Drills

Rivet guns

Calipers

Jigs & fixtures

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.

Build Satellites. Apply in El Paso. Launch Your Career in Midland.

Have you worked in manufacturing, automotive, or mechanical assembly and want to take that skillset into something bigger? This is it. You’ll be building satellites and they don't get bigger than ours. If you have hands‑on experience in manufacturing, automotive, or mechanical assembly, and are ready to apply those skills to something bigger, this is your opportunity. You’ll be contributing to the build of real satellite hardware, supporting one of the most advanced space manufacturing programs in the country.

This position is based in our satellite production facility in Midland, TX, with full relocation provided (details below).

Position Overview

We are seeking a Structural Technician, Lead to oversee a team responsible for assembling satellite structural components in a manufacturing environment. This is a hands‑on leadership role—you’re not just directing work, you’re in it. You’ll combine technical skill, team leadership, and production ownership to drive quality and output. This role sits within the Control Sat (CSAT) Structures Group, responsible for the assembly and maintenance of primary satellite structures. Candidates should have strong experience working with composite and metallic structures in a precision environment.

Compensation & Schedule

• Pay: DOE based on experience, with overtime opportunities. Higher-level roles are available for more experienced candidates at increased pay.
• Schedule: Standard shift is Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (4x10) with paid lunch and breaks.
• Flexibility: Night and weekend shifts with increased pay are also available depending on experience and team needs.

What You’ll Do

• Lead small teams of technicians while actively participating in structural assembly work
• Assign and prioritize work based on production needs and team capability
• Interpret and apply blueprints, engineering drawings, and work instructions
• Lead rework efforts (MRO) based on engineering dispositions and non-conformance documentation
• Assemble, drill, and fasten aluminum and composite components to spec
• Ensure adherence to approved processes, documentation, and quality standards
• Utilize tools such as calipers, palm drills, die grinders, rivet guns, and torque tools
• Use jigs, fixtures, and tooling for precision assembly
• Report progress, issues, and production status to leadership
• Coach and develop technicians to meet quality and production targets
• Coordinate with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve issues
• Assist in training new team members
• Act as the bridge between the floor and leadership
• Ensure compliance with safety and company policies
• Support additional production needs as required

Tools & Environment

• Hand tools: drills, rivet guns, grinders, ratchets, calipers, etc.
• Assembly equipment: jigs, fixtures, clecos, drill guides
• Fasteners: Hi-Loks, rivets, bolts, inserts
• Composite handling: surface prep, drilling, adhesives
• Systems: MES, ERP, digital work instructions

What You Bring

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training or degree preferred
• Minimum 1+ year in aerospace, manufacturing, or mechanical assembly
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced production environment
• Strong communication and team coordination skills
• Calm, solution-focused mindset under pressure
• High attention to detail and accountability
• Organized, reliable, and consistent
• Ability to build trust and drive team performance

Preferred

• Experience leading or supervising technicians
• Background in MRO / rework environments
• Ability to assign work and communicate clearly
• Strong problem-solving and team leadership skills
• Experience working cross-functionally with engineering and quality

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to perform repetitive and precision tasks.
• Ability to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as required to perform job duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including talking and hearing.
• Ability to work in, on, around, and in proximity to large structures, equipment, and tooling.
• Ability to lift, push, and/or carry items up to 40 pounds as required.
• Ability to work near moving mechanical parts and equipment.
• Ability to work in and around tight or confined spaces.
• Ability to work in environments that may include exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and/or hazardous materials (e.g., carbon fiber).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision
• 401(k) (pre-tax & Roth)
• Life insurance, disability coverage
• HSA, transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• PTO / sick leave

Relocation Support (If You Accept)

• Up to $5,000 in temporary housing (first 3 months)
• $1,050/month stipend to support living arrangements after 1st working month on an ongoing basis

If you are open to relocating to Midland, this can be a career changing, and life changing, move into the high-tech aerospace world offering a new skill set and job security in a very similar environment that will soon feel like home. We encourage you to apply to learn more about AST SpaceMobile and what Midland has to offer.

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.