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
Materials Engineer will perform material selection, qualification, testing and analysis of composite materials used in satellite structures, supporting material and design qualification for space applications. This role executes thermal, mechanical, and microstructural testing, interprets and cross-correlates results to assess material integrity, and documents findings that support qualification of flight hardware materials.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and execute mechanical, thermal, and microstructural testing of composite materials and structural components specific to satellite hardware.
- Operate and interpret data from DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis), UTM (Universal Testing Machine), surface energy analyzer, optical microscopy, profilometry and other composite and polymer testing.
- Cross-correlate results across test methods to assess material integrity, performance, and failure behavior.
- Perform statistical analysis of test data, including B-basis allowable development, and apply design of experiments to test planning.
- Support material and design qualification campaigns for space applications, from coupon-level testing through structural component validation.
- Design and oversee qualification procedures for composite materials and structures, including test plans, acceptance criteria, and execution against space program requirements.
- Document findings in test reports, data packages, and qualification records that support material qualification and program milestones.
- Partner with Design, Structures, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to translate test results into material selection and design decisions.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
Experience:
- 0–3 years in materials testing, composites, or structural test engineering within aerospace or manufacturing environments.
- Hands-on composite lab and testing experience, including specimen preparation, fixturing, and test execution.
- Experience with space materials, ideally in aerospace or space structural applications.
- Working knowledge of thermal, mechanical, and microstructural characterization methods and data interpretation
- Proficiency with CAD software (Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks) for reviewing designs and developing test fixtures.
- Strong understanding of the mechanics of composite materials, including failure criteria.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with DSC, DMA, UTM, optical microscopy, and profilometry, and with composite testing generally.
- Statistical analysis for B-basis allowable and design of experiments (DOE).
- Familiarity with composite test standards and material qualification programs.
- Exposure to aerospace hardware development, testing, or manufacturing
Soft Skills:
- Strong presentation and communication skills
- Ability to manage complex, cross-functional environments
- Ability to work across multiple time zones with schedule flexibility
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Technical Communication
Technology Stack:
- Proficiency in composite material testing and standards.
- CAD software: Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks.
Physical Requirements
- Availability to travel domestically and internationally
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.