Lead Spacecraft Mechanisms Engineering Technician

AST SpaceMobile•Midland, TX

3d•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 As AST SpaceMobile ramps production to support multiple satellites per month, we are expanding our Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) team with experienced mechanisms technicians who have previously worked on flight hardware in satellite or launch environments. These roles will lead the hands-on build, integration, and testing of spacecraft mechanisms including deployment systems, actuators, hinges, and release devices that are critical to satellite operations. The Senior Mechanisms Engineering Technician will bring significant hands-on experience working with high-reliability hardware in satellite, launch vehicle, or similar aerospace environments. This role will lead complex build and test operations, mentor junior technicians, and provide valuable feedback to engineering teams to improve hardware designs, processes, and production workflows. This is a highly hands-on role supporting precision hardware in a primarily manual assembly environment, requiring deep technical judgment, attention to detail, and leadership within technician teams.

Requirements

Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Aerospace Technology, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent hands-on technical training, military experience, or demonstrated industry experience may be considered.
5–15 years of hands-on experience working with high-reliability hardware in aerospace, satellite, launch vehicle, or similar precision engineering environments.
Demonstrated experience performing mechanical assembly, integration, and test work in manual or low-automation production environments.
Proven experience supporting spacecraft or aerospace hardware development, production, or testing.
Strong leadership characteristics with the ability to mentor and guide junior technicians.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
Excellent collaboration skills across engineering, technician, and production teams.
Proactive problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify and address issues quickly.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
Engineering documentation and work instruction systems
Precision mechanical assembly tools and inspection equipment
Ability to perform hands-on work with flight hardware and precision mechanical assemblies.
Ability to stand, bend, and work in assembly environments for extended periods.
Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds.
Ability to support extended shifts or weekend work when required to support production schedules.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, procedures, and technical documentation.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting space-qualified mechanisms such as deployment systems, release devices, actuators, hinges, latches, or similar systems.
Experience supporting environmental test campaigns including vibration, shock, or thermal vacuum (TVAC).
Experience working in high-rate spacecraft manufacturing or production environments.
Familiarity with root cause and corrective action (RCCA) processes and nonconformance documentation.
Experience working in cleanroom environments with contamination control requirements.

Responsibilities

Support assembly, integration, and test operations for spacecraft mechanisms and mechanical subsystems.
Perform build and integration of mechanisms sub-assemblies and top-level assemblies.
Support integration of mechanisms assemblies onto spacecraft structures and systems.
Support developmental, qualification, and acceptance testing of mechanisms and spacecraft hardware.
Perform spacecraft-level inspections and verification activities during integration and test operations.
Identify hardware anomalies during build, integration, or testing and escalate issues for investigation.
Provide detailed feedback to engineering teams regarding hardware performance, design challenges, and opportunities for process improvements.
Lead complex assembly and integration activities while supervising and mentoring junior technicians.
Train and develop less experienced technicians on proper assembly techniques, processes, and quality standards.
Provide manufacturing and test support during spacecraft production and verification phases.