Mechanisms Manufacturing Engineer
AST SpaceMobile · Midland, TX
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at AST SpaceMobile (aerospace & defense) in Midland, TX. Provide manufacturing and test engineering support to Production during build, integration, and verification phases.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Six Sigma, Root cause, AS9100, Tooling, SolidWorks, CATIA / NX
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 128 other live manufacturing postings in Texas.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $79k–$126k, from 30 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 58%
- ✓ Root cause 57%
- Lean 41%
- New product launch 36%
- Automation 36%
- ✓ Six Sigma 29%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for AS9100, SolidWorks, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at AST SpaceMobile
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: AST SpaceMobile in Midland
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Full description from AST SpaceMobileAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
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
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
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 .
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.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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
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.
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