Spacecraft Mechanical Design DMU & Mass Properties Engineer

AST Space Mobile • Midland, TX

26d

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. Position Overview We are seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Design DMU (Digital Mock-Up) & Mass Properties Engineer to support both non-recurring and recurring/sustaining activities across spacecraft mechanical and structural subsystems and payloads. This includes responsibilities spanning systems engineering, mechanical design, analysis, assembly, and testing.The ideal candidate will be innovative, challenge traditional approaches, and excel in both collaborative environments and independent technical ownership. This role may also lead small teams and drive technical execution within the mechanical design domain.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related technical field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in spacecraft mechanical/structural design.
• Demonstrated expertise in CAD large-assembly management and optimization.
• Strong background designing satellite assemblies for both launch and on-orbit environments, including design for manufacturability.
• Proficiency with CAD tools: Autodesk Inventor (preferred). Other acceptable tools include CATIA, SolidWorks, or CREO.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage spacecraft CAD assemblies, including structural skeletons, subsystem interfaces, and flight hardware models.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive mass properties database for all spacecraft and launch configurations; integrate CAD-generated mass properties to ensure accuracy.
• Develop and maintain interface control drawings, manufacturing drawings, assembly drawings, and Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Conduct mechanical and structural system trade studies to evaluate optimal system architecture considering simplicity, performance, mass, and cost.
• Produce both preliminary and detailed design documentation.
• Provide technical support to procurement, production, and testing teams for satellites and related hardware.

What This Job Offers

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