---
title: 'Junior Mechanical Engineer - Jig Design and Tooling at AST SpaceMobile'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/junior-mechanical-engineer-jig-design-and-tooling-ast-spacemobile-barcelona-z7fmqfwemz0b'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-24'
---

# Junior Mechanical Engineer - Jig Design and Tooling at AST SpaceMobile

- **Company:** AST SpaceMobile
- **Location:** Barcelona, Spain
- **Posted:** 2026-10-22
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-24
- **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4746458005

## 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 a Junior Mechanical Engineer – Jig Design and Tooling Support to join our satellite mechanical team. This role focuses on the development of jigs, fixtures, workholding devices, handling equipment, and test tooling used in the manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of satellite hardware. The successful candidate will be a hands-on, resourceful, and inventive engineer who can collaborate effectively with technicians, workshops, and suppliers while working independently on assigned projects.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop mechanical support elements including jigs, fixtures, workholding, handling, and test tooling from concept through CAD design, manufacturing drawings, and fabrication.
- Prepare and maintain technical documentation within PDM and PLM systems.
- Perform workshop activities, including basic manual tasks and 3D printing.
- Support the assembly and integration of mechanical assemblies.
- Coordinate with suppliers for machining services and procurement of mechanical components and materials.
- Collaborate with AIT technicians, workshop personnel, and external vendors to support manufacturing and testing activities.

## Qualifications

Education:

- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field required.
- Master's Degree or higher qualification preferred.

Experience:

- A minimum of 1-2 years of hands-on experience in mechanical design.
- Experience in jig, fixture, or tooling design is highly preferred.
- Experience with space subsystem or payload applications is considered an advantage.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience using Autodesk Inventor or similar CAD software.
- Familiarity with PDM and PLM systems, particularly Autodesk Vault and Autodesk Fusion.
- Knowledge of machining processes and workshop practices.
- Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Experience with 3D printing technologies.
- Exposure to aerospace, satellite, or high-precision manufacturing environments.

Soft Skills:

- Strong technical communication skills with the ability to understand and translate stakeholder requirements.
- Ability to work independently and manage tasks autonomously.
- Resourceful, inventive, and proactive problem-solving mindset.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Careful and responsible when working with sensitive and delicate equipment.
- Eagerness to learn, develop new skills, and grow within the organization.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.

Technology Stack:

- Autodesk Inventor (preferred CAD software)
- Autodesk Vault (PDM)
- Autodesk Fusion (PLM)
- 3D Printing equipment and software
- Engineering drawing and documentation tools

Physical Requirements

- Ability to work in a workshop and manufacturing environment.
- Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to safely handle mechanical parts, tools, fixtures, and delicate hardware.
- Ability to perform hands-on assembly and testing support activities as required.
- Occasionally lift and move engineering materials, tools, and equipment in accordance with safety guidelines.

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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