Engineering Development Program (EDP) – Solar Panel Closeout

AST SpaceMobile•Midland, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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. Position Overview The Engineering Development Program (EDP) is designed for exceptional recent graduates who want to become spacecraft engineers by first learning how satellites are physically built. Participants in this program will begin their careers working directly on the spacecraft production floor as Engineering Technicians supporting Solar Panel Closeout operations. In this role, participants will gain hands-on experience assembling, integrating, and closing out flight solar array panels used to power AST SpaceMobile satellites. As participants demonstrate technical capability and leadership potential, they will progress through a structured development path: Engineering Technician → Engineering Technician Supervisor → Associate Engineer This program provides a rare opportunity to develop engineers who understand spacecraft hardware from the ground up—combining hands-on spacecraft assembly experience, early leadership development, and a clear transition into an engineering role. Participants will gain direct experience building flight hardware, leading technical teams, and supporting spacecraft production at scale.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Industrial Engineering Physics or related technical discipline
Recent graduate or early-career engineer with strong academic performance.
Hands-on engineering project experience through internships, research labs, or academic programs.
Experience working with mechanical assemblies, electronics, robotics, or hardware systems preferred.
Demonstrated interest in spacecraft systems, aerospace manufacturing, or hardware engineering.
Strong curiosity and desire to understand how complex hardware systems are built.
Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to motivate and guide technical teams.
Strong problem-solving mindset and attention to detail.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced engineering and production environment.
Ability to perform hands-on work with spacecraft hardware and mechanical assemblies.
Ability to stand for extended periods while performing integration and closeout operations.
Ability to work in cleanroom environments under strict ESD and FOD control protocols.
Ability to lift and move equipment up to 25 pounds as required for spacecraft integration tasks.
Position is based at the Midland, Texas facility and requires on-site collaboration with spacecraft production and engineering teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with mechanical assemblies, wiring harnesses, or electromechanical systems.
Exposure to aerospace manufacturing, spacecraft systems, or cleanroom environments.
Experience with bonding, adhesives, or precision assembly processes.
Participation in engineering project teams, robotics competitions, or hardware-based research projects.

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on spacecraft solar panel closeout operations including harness routing, mechanical assembly, bonding, and final panel integration.
Support installation and routing of electrical harnesses, connectors, and cabling associated with spacecraft solar array systems.
Assist with mechanical integration and final closeout of solar panel assemblies prior to spacecraft integration.
Support bonding, potting, adhesive application, and curing processes in accordance with engineering procedures and workmanship standards.
Follow strict cleanroom protocols including ESD and FOD control procedures when handling flight hardware.
Support quality inspections and verification activities to ensure flight hardware meets engineering specifications and workmanship standards.
Assist with troubleshooting assembly issues during spacecraft build operations.
Work closely with engineers and senior technicians to execute spacecraft build procedures and production tasks.
Lead and supervise teams of technicians performing solar panel closeout and spacecraft assembly operations.
Coordinate daily production activities to ensure spacecraft build milestones are achieved on schedule.
Ensure technicians follow engineering procedures, quality standards, and cleanroom protocols.
Train and mentor junior technicians in spacecraft assembly and flight hardware handling practices.
Support troubleshooting and resolution of assembly and integration issues during spacecraft production.
Collaborate with engineering and production leadership to improve build processes and operational efficiency.
Ensure proper documentation and compliance with spacecraft manufacturing standards.
Support engineering teams in developing and improving spacecraft assembly and integration procedures.
Assist with troubleshooting hardware integration challenges during spacecraft build operations.
Analyze production processes and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
Support spacecraft integration campaigns and cross-functional engineering efforts.
Collaborate with design engineers to provide feedback from production operations to improve hardware designs.
Support development of tooling, fixtures, and build processes for spacecraft production.