--- title: 'Rigging/Lifting Manager at AST SpaceMobile' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/rigging-lifting-manager-ast-spacemobile-midland-texas-mtap7zrrtv39' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-12' --- # Rigging/Lifting Manager at AST SpaceMobile - **Company:** AST SpaceMobile - **Location:** Midland Texas, United States - **Posted:** 2026-03-20 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12 - **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4675268005 ## 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 The Rigging/Lifting Manager is responsible for overseeing all critical rigging and lifting operations within the facility. This role ensures safe, precise, and compliant movement of highly sensitive equipment while managing three shift supervisors and supporting cross-functional production groups. The manager will establish rigging standards, lead training programs, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and support continuous improvement in lifting activities across all shifts. ## Key Responsibilities Rigging & Lifting Operations Management - Oversee all rigging and lifting activities to ensure safe and controlled movement of sensitive equipment. - Establish, maintain, and enforce standard operating procedures for rigging and lifting. - Review and approve lift plans, equipment setups, and safety controls before all critical lifts. - Ensure full compliance with OSHA, NCCCO, ASME, and internal safety standards. Leadership & Supervision - Manage and provide direction to three Rigging Supervisors across all shifts. - Conduct coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations. - Coordinate workload and manpower planning to meet production demands. Training & Competency Development - Conduct on-site training for safe rigging practices, lifting techniques, and proper equipment use. - Maintain up-to-date certification and competency records. - Implement continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen rigging capabilities. Equipment & Process Oversight - Ensure inspection, maintenance, and operational readiness of all rigging and lifting equipment. - Identify equipment needs and recommend upgrades or replacements. - Develop and execute preventive maintenance schedules. Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with production, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to support operational needs. - Communicate lift schedules, risks, and resource requirements effectively. - Participate in operations meetings and planning sessions. Safety & Compliance - Lead and document incident investigations related to rigging and lifting operations. - Enforce safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and critical lift procedures. - Maintain accurate documentation for internal and external audits. ## Qualifications Education - High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred. - Formal rigging training highly preferred. ## Experience - 5–7 years of rigging and lifting experience. - Supervisory or management experience required. - Hands-on experience conducting critical lifts involving sensitive or high-value equipment. Certifications - NCCCO Certified Rigger (CR) preferred. - Signalperson or Lift Director certifications a plus. ## Preferred Qualifications - Experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or aerospace production environment. - Familiarity with crane operations, advanced rigging methods, and heavy-lift planning. Soft Skills - Strong communication and interpersonal skills. - Proven leadership and team-development capabilities. - Ability to read and interpret drawings, lift plans, schematics, and risk assessments. - Exceptional situational awareness with a commitment to safety and precision. Technology Stack - MS Office Suite - Ability to read and interpret digital drawings, 3D models, and lift-planning software - Experience with maintenance tracking or asset-management tools (preferred) Physical Requirements - Ability to work in both office and shop-floor environments. - Frequent walking, standing, and lifting up to 50 lbs. - Exposure to noise, temperature variations, and active production areas. - Ability to operate or work near cranes, hoists, and heavy-lifting equipment. This job description may not be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed based on 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 - [Launch Campaign Technical Program Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/launch-campaign-technical-program-manager-ast-spacemobile-united-states-h6crfhnqmhr0) — United States - [Telco SRE Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/telco-sre-engineer-ast-spacemobile-riga-cecfzawvgtfx) — Riga, Latvia - [HW Testing Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/hw-testing-engineer-ast-spacemobile-barcelona-3yhyhs40mvnz) — Barcelona, Spain - [Production Applications Engineer (TULIP)](https://feeny.ai/job/production-applications-engineer-tulip-ast-spacemobile-barcelona-t42ez1nqkgqd) — Barcelona, Spain - [Core Network Engineer, 3GPP Wireless](https://feeny.ai/job/core-network-engineer-3gpp-wireless-ast-spacemobile-united-states-mmxza83cnb7e) — United States - [Director, Intelligence Community Strategy & Engagement](https://feeny.ai/job/director-intelligence-community-strategy-engagement-ast-spacemobile-lanham-d3kgbxs5s7w2) — Lanham Maryland, United States - [Composites Manufacturing Specialist Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/composites-manufacturing-specialist-engineer-ast-spacemobile-barcelona-2ysjvy5gyvf6) — Barcelona, Spain - [CNC Technician - Shift 2](https://feeny.ai/job/cnc-technician-shift-2-ast-spacemobile-barcelona-jhnskbj9eydn) — Barcelona, Spain - [RF Validation Intern](https://feeny.ai/job/rf-validation-intern-ast-spacemobile-hyderabad-vznca4myq8bd) — Hyderabad, India - [*Test Technician, Electrical and Electronics](https://feeny.ai/job/test-technician-electrical-and-electronics-ast-spacemobile-midland-texas-an7rf98vxfdv) — Midland Texas, United States