Spacecraft Mechanical Design DMU & Mass Properties Engineer

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.

Summary

The Spacecraft Mechanical Design DMU (Digital Mock-Up) & Mass Properties Engineer will support satellite mechanical/structures and payload development across both non-recurring engineering (NRE) and recurring/sustaining programs. This role performs systems engineering, mechanical design, CAD assembly development, mass properties tracking, interface definition, analysis support, assembly support, and testing support. The ideal candidate is innovative, challenges the status quo, collaborates effectively across technical disciplines, and can lead small teams while also working independently.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Create and manage full spacecraft CAD assemblies, including skeleton models, subsystem interfaces, and flight hardware.
• Develop and maintain mass properties databases for all satellite and launch configurations.
• Implement CAD-based controls to supplement and validate mass properties tracking.
• Develop and maintain interface control drawings (ICDs), detailed manufacturing drawings, assembly drawings, and Bills of Material (BOM).
• Perform mechanical/structural subsystem and payload trade studies to determine optimal system architectures based on performance, mass, cost, simplicity, and manufacturability.
• Support preparation of preliminary and final/detailed mechanical designs.
• Provide technical support to procurement, production, assembly, and testing for spacecraft structures and associated hardware.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of mechanical and structural designs into the full spacecraft system.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum 7 years of hands-on experience in spacecraft mechanical/structural design.
• Demonstrated experience with CAD large assembly management and optimization.
• Strong technical capability in designing satellite assemblies for both launch and on-orbit environments, with emphasis on design-for-manufacturability.
• Proficient with CAD tools (Autodesk Inventor required; other experience considered: CATIA, SolidWorks, CREO).
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.

This job description may not be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned as business needs evolve.

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.