--- title: 'Senior CNC Programmer at AST SpaceMobile' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-cnc-programmer-ast-spacemobile-midland-texas-1myq4t3qwvgv' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-12' --- # Senior CNC Programmer at AST SpaceMobile - **Company:** AST SpaceMobile - **Location:** Midland Texas, United States - **Posted:** 2026-03-04 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12 - **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4669349005 ## 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’re scaling aerospace-grade CFRP production and we need an elite 5-Axis CNC programming expert to lead our high-volume, Class-A composite machining. This role is not “average programmer” — it’s for a strategic thinker and production optimizer who thrives in a fast-paced aerospace environment, drives standardization, and owns outcomes from CAD-to-finished parts. Key Responsibilities: - Lead development, validation, and deployment of 5-axis CNC programs for CFRP production parts - Optimize toolpaths for maximum throughput, minimal tool wear, and zero delamination - Select and qualify advanced tooling (PCD/diamond) and fixture systems for composites - Troubleshoot process issues and implement permanent, data-driven solutions - Drive cycle-time improvements while safeguarding dimensional and cosmetic quality - Standardize programming practices, templates, and work instructions - Mentor junior programmers and set programming performance benchmarks - Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Production leadership to meet production targets and yield goals ## Qualifications - 10+ years CNC programming experience, with at least 5+ years on 5-axis mills - Deep expertise in machining CFRP and advanced composites - Mastery of CAM platforms ( e.g., Mastercam, Autodesk (Inventor and Vault), AutoCAD, Fusion) - Advanced understanding of feeds/speeds, tool geometry, work holding, and multi-axis simulation - Exceptional blueprint reading and GD&T skills - Experience in high-volume, production aerospace environments Education: High School Diploma or GED Experience: A minimum of 10 years proven aerospace composite machining experience Preferred Qualifications: - Proven and demonstrated experience in machining with ceramic cutting tools, e.g., alumina, silicon carbide - Experience with trimming, drilling, countersinking, and edge finishing of composite structures - Knowledge of dust extraction systems and composite safety protocols - Fixture design and vacuum system design experience Soft Skills: - Values process control, repeatability, and lean production outcomes - Sees process improvements before problems occur - Mentors team members and elevate shop-wide capabilities - Comfortable setting standards and enforcing compliance - Strong attention to detail and good verbal/written communication skills - Proficient Microsoft Office skills Physical Requirements - Standing and Walking: Frequently required to stand, walk, and work on foot. - Lifting and Carrying: Must be able to lift, push, pull, or carry objects, often ranging from 20 to 50 pounds. - Manual Dexterity: High level of dexterity required to handle, manipulate, and feel small, precise objects, tools, or machine controls. - Physical Range of Motion: Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and reaching with hands and arms. - Physical Stamina: Ability to endure long, 8-12-hour shifts, including working on foot in a shop setting. 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 - [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