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
The Engineering Development Program (EDP) is designed for exceptional recent graduates who want to become spacecraft engineers by 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 CSAT structures, integrations, and major assembly operations. In this role, participants will gain hands-on experience assembling and integrating flight components into the spacecraft.
As participants demonstrate technical capability and leadership potential, they will progress through a structured development path:
Engineering Technician → Associate Manufacturing Engineer → Manufacturing 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.
Key Responsibilities
Phase 1 – Engineering Technician
Participants begin the program working directly with spacecraft hardware supporting CSAT structures, integrations, and major assembly operations.
Responsibilities include:
- Perform hands-on assembly and integration of CSAT structures, mechanical subsystems, and flight components.
- Support mechanical integration, alignment, and fastening of spacecraft assemblies.
- Assist with bonding, adhesives, potting, and precision assembly processes in accordance with engineering procedures and workmanship standards.
- Follow strict cleanroom protocols including ESD and FOD control when handling flight hardware.
- Support quality inspections and verification activities to ensure hardware meets engineering specifications and workmanship standards.
- Assist with troubleshooting assembly or integration issues during spacecraft production.
- Collaborate closely with engineers and senior technicians to execute assembly and integration tasks.
This phase focuses on developing a deep understanding of spacecraft hardware, integration processes, and flight hardware handling.
Phase 2 – Associate Manufacturing Engineer
After demonstrating strong technical performance and leadership capability, participants transition into a supervisory role supporting CSAT structures and major assembly operations.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead and supervise teams performing assembly and integration of spacecraft hardware.
- Coordinate daily production activities to ensure assembly milestones are achieved on schedule.
- Ensure technicians follow engineering procedures, quality standards, and cleanroom protocols.
- Train and mentor junior technicians in spacecraft assembly and integration practices.
- Support troubleshooting and resolution of assembly and integration challenges.
- Collaborate with engineering and production leadership to improve processes and operational efficiency.
- Ensure proper documentation and compliance with spacecraft manufacturing standards.
This phase provides early leadership experience managing technical teams responsible for building flight spacecraft hardware.
Phase 3 – Manufacturing Engineer
Upon successful completion of the development program, participants transition into a Manufacturing Engineer role supporting spacecraft production and integration.
Responsibilities include:
- 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.
Participants completing the program transition into engineering roles with a unique advantage—direct experience building and integrating operational spacecraft hardware.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Physics or related technical discipline
Experience
- Recent graduate or early-career engineer with strong academic performance
- Hands-on engineering project experience through internships, research labs, or academic programs
- Experience with mechanical assemblies, electronics, robotics, or hardware systems preferred
- Demonstrated interest in spacecraft systems, aerospace manufacturing, or hardware engineering
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with mechanical assemblies, electromechanical systems, or wiring harnesses
- 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
Soft Skills
- Strong curiosity and desire to understand how complex hardware systems are built
- Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to 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
Technology Stack
Engineering & Manufacturing Tools
- Precision mechanical assembly tools
- Electrical harness installation equipment
- Adhesive and bonding application systems
Software & Productivity Tools
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Engineering documentation systems
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform hands-on work with spacecraft hardware and mechanical assemblies
- Ability to stand for extended periods during integration and assembly 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
Note: This job description may not be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time, or the scope of the role may change based on business needs.
This job description may not be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the role may change as needed based on 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.