--- title: 'Controls Engineer at AST SpaceMobile' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/controls-engineer-ast-spacemobile-midland-qme9q0vqk99t' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-17' --- # Controls Engineer at AST SpaceMobile - **Company:** AST SpaceMobile - **Location:** Midland, TX - **Posted:** 2026-06-04 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-17 - **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4702879005 ## 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. Position Overview We are seeking an Engineer to join our Controls Engineering team and serve as the on-site lead for one of the primary satellite subsystems at our high-volume  assembly line in Midland, TX. This role offers a unique hands-on perspective and direct involvement in the full lifecycle of flight hardware and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) - from design trades and prototyping to testing, production implementation, and quality assurance. The ideal candidate will be a proactive contributor, driving solutions to non-conformances, establishing robust processes, and supporting continuous improvement. Success in this role requires creativity, reliability, strong organizational skills, and the confidence to challenge existing norms in pursuit of excellence. ## Key Responsibilities Controls engineers are involved in the entire lifecycle of automation projects: - System Design: Creating Electrical CAD drawings, control panel layouts, and designing networks for machinery. - Programming: Coding PLC’s (Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMI’s and VFD’s - Commissioning: Testing and installing software and hardware on-site, which includes troubleshooting machinery to ensure it operates correctly. - Integration: Integrating sensors, actuators, and robotics into automated systems. - Optimization: Analyzing existing systems to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and implement safer processes. ## Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, mechatronic, controls engineering or related technical field. ## Experience A minimum of 2 years in manufacturing, preferably in automotive industries. Required Skills - Technical Skills: Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI software, electrical troubleshooting, and understanding industrial networks. - Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and communication skills to work with technicians and clients. - Language: Spanish language skills are a plus. Soft Skills - Strong interpersonal and communication skills. - Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation and deliverables. - Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. - Practical, hands-on mindset with a strong interest in hardware and shop floor engagement. Physical Requirements - Ability to work in a standard office and workshop environment. - Ability to use a computer for extended periods. - Willingness to work hands-on with hardware and equipment on the production floor. 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. ## About AST SpaceMobile ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard, unmodified smartphones. - **Entity Type**: Public (Nasdaq: ASTS) - **Headquarters**: Midland, Texas, USA - **Founded**: 2017 - **Founders**: Abel Avellan ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Space-based telecommunications / Satellite broadband - **Target customers**: B2B (mobile network operators), B2C (indirectly through MNOs), and government/defense agencies - **Mission**: To eliminate connectivity gaps faced by today’s nearly six billion mobile subscribers and bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected using a space-based cellular network. ## Products & Services - **[SpaceMobile Network]**: A space-based cellular broadband network that delivers 4G/5G connectivity directly to standard smartphones without any hardware modifications, apps, or software updates. - **[BlueBird Satellites]**: The company’s commercial satellite constellation, designed to provide full broadband coverage globally. BlueBird satellites are among the largest commercial communications arrays in low Earth orbit. - **[BlueWalker 3]**: The prototype satellite used to demonstrate world-first voice, 5G, and video calls from space to ordinary phones. - **[Government & Defense Solutions]**: Tailored connectivity for tactical and public safety applications (e.g., FirstNet tests, government contracts). ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Market capitalization exceeded $8 billion as of August 2024 (stock price ~$38.60). More recent figures are not publicly available but the company has raised over $2 billion as of Q2 2025. - **Key Metric (Total Funding)**: Over $2 billion raised (debt and equity) as of Q2 2025. - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Vodafone, Rakuten, American Tower, Samsung Next, Cisneros, Google (product partnership), AT&T, Verizon, FirstNet Authority. - **Growth Signals**: - Partnerships with nearly 60 mobile network operators covering ~3 billion combined subscribers. - Successfully completed first VoLTE voice calls, video calls, and 5G data connections using standard smartphones via satellite. - First public safety tests on FirstNet (Jan 2024) and first activation for government defense use cases (June 2025). - Commercial contract with Vodafone through 2034 for Europe and Africa. - 578 employees as of 2024; expanding manufacturing and office footprint globally. ## Competitive Advantages - **First-mover**: Only company offering direct-to-smartphone satellite broadband with no specialized hardware or software required. - **Patent Moat**: Over 3,800 patents and pending claims protecting proprietary technology. - **MNO Integration**: Deep partnerships with major global operators enable seamless integration with existing terrestrial networks. - **Satellite Scale**: BlueBird satellites feature large phased-array antennas (BlueWalker 3 array is 693 sq ft), providing a field of view over 300,000 sq miles. ## Strategic Focus - **Constellation Deployment**: Rapidly launching and operationalizing the BlueBird satellite fleet to start generating significant commercial revenue. - **Global Coverage Expansion**: Targeting full service across multiple continents, with a focus on remote and underserved regions. - **Government & Defense**: Broadening contracts for secure, tactical connectivity. - **Technology Advancement**: Continued R&D on next-generation satellite capabilities and network optimization. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Fast-growing company with a startup mindset; employees are encouraged to wear many hats and tackle meaningful challenges. - **Global Presence**: Offices in Midland (TX), Homestead (FL), Miami (FL), Lanham (MD), Tel Aviv, Barcelona, Edinburgh, Hyderabad, and other locations. - **Impact**: Opportunity to work on a historic transformation in global connectivity, directly connecting billions of people. - **Perks & Environment**: Nearly 500,000 sq ft of manufacturing and office facilities; emphasis on innovation, autonomy, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. - **Career Growth**: Open positions listed on Greenhouse; values proactive, passionate innovators. ## Sources 1. [AST SpaceMobile Official Website](https://ast-science.com) 2. [AST SpaceMobile Company Page](https://ast-science.com/company/) 3. [AST SpaceMobile Careers Page](https://ast-science.com/company/careers/) 4. [AST SpaceMobile Investor Relations](https://investors.ast-science.com/) 5. [Wikipedia – AST SpaceMobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AST_SpaceMobile) ## Other roles at AST SpaceMobile - [Facility Maintainance Techinican](https://feeny.ai/job/facility-maintainance-techinican-ast-spacemobile-barcelona-zqp4a5h88f0p) — Barcelona, Spain - [Maintenance Technician, 2nd Shift, Site 4](https://feeny.ai/job/maintenance-technician-2nd-shift-site-4-ast-spacemobile-midland-jv6whg24sg2z) — Midland, TX - [Environmental Test Technician II 3rd Shift, Site 2](https://feeny.ai/job/environmental-test-technician-ii-3rd-shift-site-2-ast-spacemobile-midland-kk5qdwdx38bs) — Midland, TX - [Maintenance Technician, 2nd Shift, Site 3](https://feeny.ai/job/maintenance-technician-2nd-shift-site-3-ast-spacemobile-midland-kh60q46rcvc2) — Midland, TX - [Environmental Test Technician II 2nd Shift, Site 2](https://feeny.ai/job/environmental-test-technician-ii-2nd-shift-site-2-ast-spacemobile-midland-0yc0ggwy7nyw) — Midland, TX - [Environmental Test Technician I, 3rd Shift, Site 2](https://feeny.ai/job/environmental-test-technician-i-3rd-shift-site-2-ast-spacemobile-midland-0ycwzfrsxj1f) — Midland, TX - [Environmental Test Technician I, 2nd Shift, Site 2](https://feeny.ai/job/environmental-test-technician-i-2nd-shift-site-2-ast-spacemobile-midland-j16zsdsbqr1m) — Midland, TX - [Material Handler/Cycle Counter, 3rd Shift, Site 3](https://feeny.ai/job/material-handler-cycle-counter-3rd-shift-site-3-ast-spacemobile-midland-kh68phqp1sjb) — Midland, TX - [Material Handler, 2nd shift, Site 3](https://feeny.ai/job/material-handler-2nd-shift-site-3-ast-spacemobile-midland-psycege9m2zn) — Midland, TX - [Senior Software Integration Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-integration-engineer-ast-spacemobile-lanham-rde6rh0gc7ad) — Lanham, MD