---
title: 'Drawing & CAD Design Checker — GD&T Specialist at AST SpaceMobile'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/drawing-cad-design-checker-gd-t-specialist-ast-spacemobile-midland-texas-9sz5gbzcz2zm'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-12'
---

# Drawing & CAD Design Checker — GD&T Specialist at AST SpaceMobile

- **Company:** AST SpaceMobile
- **Location:** Midland Texas, United States
- **Posted:** 2026-07-24
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12
- **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4718352005

## 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.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically rigorous CAD Design Checker to join our Spacecraft Engineering team. In this role, you will serve as the primary technical authority for the review and verification of engineering drawings and 3D model-based design across satellite programs, from concept development through launch vehicle integration. A commanding expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5 is essential, as you will act as the final quality gate on all drawing packages for flight hardware, ground support equipment (GSE), and associated mechanical systems.

This position operates cross-functionally with satellite systems engineers, structural analysts, thermal engineers, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to identify and resolve design discrepancies early in the product lifecycle. You will be a key contributor to maintaining drawing standards aligned with aerospace requirements and will play an active role in process improvement, lessons-learned, and mentoring junior designers on GD&T best practices in the context of space-flight applications. The ideal candidate brings a rare combination of deep drafting discipline, hands-on aerospace manufacturing knowledge, and the judgment to balance tight tolerances against producibility constraints on long-lead, flight-critical components.

## Responsibilities

- Review and check engineering drawings and 3D CAD model-based designs for such components as satellite structures, mechanisms, propulsion components, and avionics assemblies for accuracy, completeness, and full compliance with ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards
- Verify that GD&T callouts are correctly applied, unambiguously defined, and achievable within satellite manufacturing and assembly constraints
- Help perform and verify detailed 1D and 2D tolerance stack-up analyses for flight-critical interfaces
- Evaluate drawings for compatibility with space-qualified fabrication processes including precision CNC machining, composite layup, chemical etching, and surface treatments (anodize, Alodine, electroless nickel)
- Issue formal redline markups and non-conformance reports (NCRs) with clear, actionable disposition for design engineers; track resolution through to drawing release
- Support design reviews (PDR, CDR, MRR) by auditing drawing packages for completeness, consistency with interface control documents (ICDs), and compliance with applicable drawing standards
- Maintain and evolve internal drawing standards, checklist templates, and GD&T training materials in alignment with program requirements and industry specifications
- Serve as the subject matter expert on GD&T interpretation and drawing standards; mentor junior designers and provide formal training on aerospace drafting best practices

## Qualifications

- US Citizen
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related field; equivalent combination of education and experience considered
- Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design checking, detailing, or a senior drafting role, with at least 4 years in an aerospace or space systems environment
- Expert-level command of GD&T per ASME Y14.5; ASME Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Professional (GDTP) certification—Senior or Technologist level—is strongly preferred
- Proficiency in at least one major aerospace-grade CAD platform (CATIA V5/V6, Creo/PTC, or NX/Siemens); experience with model-based definition (MBD) and annotated 3D datasets (PMI) is a significant plus
- Demonstrated ability to perform and verify tolerance stack-up analyses for precision assemblies
- Familiarity with satellite-specific manufacturing and assembly constraints, including clean-room protocols, handling requirements for flight hardware, and surface finish/contamination standards (ASTM, NASA-HDBK-6012 or equivalent)
- Experience with flight hardware configuration management and drawing release workflows within a PDM/PLM system (Windchill, Teamcenter, or equivalent)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to document findings precisely and defend technical positions
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team with other engineers.
- Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment.

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)

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