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

AST SpaceMobile; Michigan; On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with Roth option

Life insurance and disability coverage

HSA and transportation benefits

PTO / sick leave

Relocation support

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile in Midland, TX is seeking a Structural Technician to assemble spacecraft structural components and subassemblies using engineering drawings and precise fasteners. This hands-on role sits in our CSAT structures group, building core satellite hardware with tight tolerances.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in aerospace or precision mechanical build, can read blueprints, and work with metals or composites. Relocation support is provided to join this high-tech aerospace program.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in aerospace structures or precision mechanical build.
• Experience with rivets, fasteners, and structural installs.
• Ability to read blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Experience with aluminum, titanium, stainless steel and/or composites.
• Familiarity with precision tools (calipers, micrometers).

Responsibilities

• Assemble spacecraft structural components and subassemblies using engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Install aerospace fasteners (rivets, bolts, nut plates, specialty hardware) to spec.
• Perform drilling, reaming, countersinking, deburring, and precision fitting.
• Build and bond composite and metallic structures (frames, panels, deployables).
• Execute precision alignment and fit-up to tight tolerances.
• Partner with manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and improve builds.
• Maintain strict quality, documentation, and configuration control standards.
• Inspect assemblies for structural integrity and dimensional accuracy.
• Support integration, modifications, and structural repairs as needed.

Skills

Rivets & fasteners

Blueprint reading

Precision measuring tools

Aerospace manufacturing

Metals & composites

Technical certificate preferred

Education

Technical certificate / associate degree

Job description

Build Satellites. Launch Your Career in Midland.

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.

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’re hiring a Structural Technician to support spacecraft manufacturing assembling the primary structures that satellites are built around. This is a hands‑on build role inside our Control Sat (CSAT) structures group, responsible for the assembly and maintenance of the core satellite structure. If you’ve worked on aircraft structures, automotive builds, or precision mechanical assembly, the skill translation here is direct.

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:

• Assemble spacecraft structural components and subassemblies using engineering drawings and work instructions
• Install aerospace fasteners (rivets, bolts, nut plates, specialty hardware) to spec
• Perform drilling, reaming, countersinking, deburring, and precision fitting
• Build and bond composite and metallic structures (frames, panels, deployables)
• Execute precision alignment and fit‑up to tight tolerances
• Partner with manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and improve builds
• Maintain strict quality, documentation, and configuration control standards
• Inspect assemblies for structural integrity and dimensional accuracy
• Support integration, modifications, and structural repairs as needed

What You Bring

• 3+ years in manufacturing, aerospace structures, aircraft assembly, or precision mechanical build work
• Experience with rivets, fasteners, and structural installs
• Ability to read and work from blueprints and engineering drawings
• Experience with metals (aluminum, titanium, stainless) and/or composites
• Familiarity with precision tools (calipers, micrometers, torque tools)
• Technical certificate or associate degree preferred

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: (Eligibility dependent)

• 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.

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.