Mechanisms Manufacturing Engineer

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Mechanisms Engineer to support the assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of spacecraft mechanisms. The candidate will work hands-on in a dynamic environment, collaborating closely with design, test, and production teams to ensure successful build, qualification, and delivery of space mechanisms and subsystems.

Key Responsibilities

Provide manufacturing and test engineering support to Production during build, integration, and verification phases

Perform and lead mechanism-level and subsystem-level tests; develop testing requirements, materials, processes, and tooling (vibration, shock, TVAC, assembly)

Participate in and execute design, analysis, and system trade studies to determine mechanism AIT strategies at system and spacecraft levels

Provide inputs to Design Engineering to optimize manufacturing flow, cost, and layout

Prepare detailed product and process reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data

Execute design and analysis using sound engineering principles while adhering to company standards and program requirements

Troubleshoot and investigate anomalies and failures, perform root-cause analysis, and drive resolution

Participate in iterative mechanism design improvements based on findings in test and production

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Experience

Minimum of 2–5 years of relevant experience in aerospace or precision hardware assembly/test.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with space-qualified mechanisms (e.g., release devices, actuators, hinges, latches, deployment systems)

Familiarity with root cause and corrective action (RCCA) methodologies and nonconformance resolution

Working knowledge of ECAD/MCAD integration, configuration control, and product data management systems

Experience supporting vibration, shock, and TVAC test campaigns

Understanding of cleanroom practices and contamination control

Preferred certifications: IPC-A-610/J-STD-001, NASA-STD-8739 or ECSS-Q-ST-70 standards, AS9100, Six Sigma

Soft Skills

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering and production teams

Proven problem-solving mindset and ownership mentality

Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy of documentation and project deliverables

Proactive, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Technology Stack

CAD Tools: AutoDesk Inventor, SolidWorks, NX, or Creo

Analysis Tools: FEA experience is a plus

Data/Documentation Systems: Fusion or equivalent PDM/PLM tools

General Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)

Test/Data Acquisition: LabVIEW or similar systems (preferred)

Physical Requirements

Capable of working hands-on with flight hardware, test setups, and precision instruments

Ability to lift and move up to 25 lbs

Availability for occasional extended shifts

Night shift/weekend shift availability

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.