Intern - Electrical and Power Systems Engineering Flight Assurance/Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

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 Manufacturing & Flight Assurance Engineering Intern will support the CSAT Solar Panel, Micron Solar Panel, and Flight Assurance teams in developing, improving, and validating manufacturing processes for spacecraft hardware. This role provides hands-on exposure to production engineering, process development, and mission assurance activities across solar panel fabrication and spacecraft manufacturing operations. The intern will learn how flight hardware is built, tested, documented, and audited to ensure quality, repeatability, and mission success.

This internship is from 5/18/2026 to 8/7/2026 on-site at our Midland, TX facility. You must be enrolled in the following semester. If you just graduated, please apply to one of our full-time roles.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Engineering (Solar Panels)

• Support engineering efforts behind the manufacturing processes for Control Sat (CSAT) and Micron Solar Panels.
• Assist with process development, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Observe and support production activities to understand material flow, tooling, and assembly methods.
• Help identify opportunities to improve throughput, reduce defects, and increase process stability.

Flight Assurance & Quality Support

• Assist with auditing spacecraft manufacturing and test steps to ensure compliance with internal and mission assurance standards.
• Review technical documentation and verify process adherence and traceability.
• Support inspection readiness and quality checks across production lines.

Documentation & Digital Manufacturing

• Create and update work instructions and digital apps using Tulip or similar tools.
• Develop process flow diagrams, standard operating procedures, and visual aids.
• Maintain clear and accurate technical documentation.

Industrial & Operations Analysis

• Conduct basic manufacturing analysis including cycle time studies, line balancing, and capacity calculations.
• Assist with data collection and reporting to support production planning and efficiency improvements.
• Support continuous improvement and Lean initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to understand product requirements and production constraints.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to stakeholders.
• Provide general engineering support where needed across assigned areas.

Qualifications

Education

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
• Senior year (final year) standing preferred.

Experience

• Coursework or project experience related to manufacturing, production systems, or engineering design.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and technical drawings.
• Interest in spacecraft hardware, production engineering, or mission assurance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of CAD software (Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or similar).
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing or process improvement concepts.
• Experience creating technical documentation or work instructions.
• Participation in engineering labs, internships, or hands-on fabrication projects.
• Familiarity with production or digital manufacturing tools (e.g., Tulip or similar platforms).

Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Analytical mindset with interest in process optimization.
• Effective communication and teamwork across functions.
• Self-motivated and eager to learn in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.

Technology Stack

• CAD: Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or similar
• Digital Work Instructions: Tulip or comparable platforms
• Documentation/Analysis: Microsoft Office or equivalent
• Manufacturing analysis tools and basic time-study methods

Physical Requirements

• Frequent presence on manufacturing and integration floors.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and work in production environments.
• Ability to safely handle hardware and materials.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed.

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.