--- title: 'Lead Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer at AST SpaceMobile' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/lead-satellite-mechanical-design-engineer-ast-spacemobile-united-states-byr1rybr2jj8' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-12' --- # Lead Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer at AST SpaceMobile - **Company:** AST SpaceMobile - **Location:** United States - **Work type:** remote - **Posted:** 2026-08-08 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12 - **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4720594005 ## 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 Lead Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer to support the mechanical design, analysis, and integration of satellite systems from concept through launch. This role is responsible for leading the mechanical design of the complete satellite system, including bus structure, equipment accommodation, and payload accommodation, to ensure designs meet performance, mass, volume, power, and reliability requirements for launch and on-orbit environments. The ideal candidate is innovative, technically rigorous, and collaborative, and thrives in a fast-paced environment that rewards challenging the status quo. Key Responsibilities: - Lead a team responsible for the mechanical design of the complete satellite system, including bus structure, equipment accommodation, and payload accommodation, using CAD and PLM tools. - Design, develop, model, and test satellite hardware — structures, mechanisms, electronics, and communications systems — with a focus on performance, size, weight, power, and reliability from concept through launch. - Develop and maintain system-level mechanical design documentation, including interface control drawings, manufacturing drawings, and test procedures. - Create, maintain, and improve standards for engineering drawings, specifications, and design for manufacturability. - Prepare and present the information required to conduct thorough design and readiness reviews with management and peers. - Troubleshoot and investigate anomalies and failures, perform root-cause analysis, and drive resolution. - Partner with manufacturing and production teams to ensure efficient, clearly documented transfer of design information. - Evaluate and champion new technologies and methods. ## Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related technical field; an advanced degree is preferred. Experience: A minimum of 15 years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, integration, and testing of satellites. Preferred Qualifications: - Strong technical skill in the design of satellite assemblies for launch and on-orbit environments, in addition to design for manufacturability. - Experience using standard analytical tools, FEA, and classical structural analysis methods to support sizing and trade studies. - Experience leading small engineering teams through full design cycles. - Advanced degree in mechanical engineering or a related technical field. Soft Skills: - Innovative and creative, with a willingness to challenge the status quo. - Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team with other engineers. - Ability to lead a small team while also working assignments autonomously. - Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. - Excellent English written and verbal communication skills. Technology Stack: - CAD software — Siemens NX preferred; CATIA, SolidWorks, or CREO also considered. - PLM systems for design release and configuration management. - FEA and standard structural analysis tools. Physical Requirements - Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods. - Willingness to travel 25%–40% of the time. 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. 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