Spacecraft Mechanical Design DMU & Mass Properties Engineer

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 & Mass Properties Engineer to support satellite mechanical/structural and payload development across both non-recurring engineering (NRE) and recurring programs. This role involves systems engineering, mechanical design, CAD assembly development, mass properties tracking, interface definition, analysis support, assembly support, and testing support. The ideal candidate is innovative, collaborative, and capable of leading small teams while working independently.

Key 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 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 optimize system architecture for performance, mass, cost, and manufacturability.

• Support preparation of preliminary and detailed mechanical designs.

• Provide technical support to procurement, production, assembly, and testing for spacecraft structures and hardware.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of mechanical and structural designs into the spacecraft system.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related technical field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in spacecraft mechanical/structural design.

• Demonstrated experience with CAD large assembly management and optimization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in design-for-manufacturability for satellite assemblies.

• Familiarity with launch and on-orbit environmental requirements.

• Experience supporting procurement and production processes for aerospace hardware.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and lead small teams.

• Meticulous attention to detail for accurate documentation and design compliance.

• Adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Technology Stack

• CAD tools: Autodesk Inventor (required), CATIA, SolidWorks, CREO (preferred).

• Mass properties tracking tools and database management.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.

• Occasional hands-on work in assembly or testing environments

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.