Spacecraft Mechanical Design DMU & Mass Properties Engineer

AST Space Mobile • Midland, TX

28d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Telecommunications
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees