Manufacturing Engineer, Satellite Integration

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.

SUMMARY:

The Satellite Integration Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for planning, developing, and supporting integration and assembly processes for satellite subsystems and full spacecraft. This role focuses on designing efficient workflows, ensuring adherence to aerospace standards, improving production quality, and driving process optimization to meet mission requirements. The engineer will collaborate closely with design engineers, technicians, quality teams, and program management to ensure seamless integration, assembly, and testing of spacecraft.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions for satellite integration.
• Design and validate fixtures, tooling, and handling equipment to support satellite assembly and subsystem integration.
• Collaborate with design engineering to ensure Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles are applied to spacecraft and subsystem designs.
• Support satellite structure, avionics, propulsion, and payload integration activities, ensuring all interfaces are aligned with engineering requirements.
• Lead and support MRB (Material Review Board) and discrepancy resolution activities to ensure nonconformances are properly addressed.
• Identify, analyze, and implement process improvements to increase manufacturing efficiency, reduce cost, and improve quality.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, bills of material (BOM), and change notices to ensure manufacturability.
• Support cleanroom operations, ensuring ESD, FOD, and contamination control compliance.
• Plan and execute assembly flow sequencing, integration schedules, and resource allocation for satellite programs.
• Coordinate integration and test readiness reviews (IRR/TRR) and ensure production milestones are met.
• Provide engineering support during environmental testing (Vibration, TVAC, Shock, EMC) and ensure satellite hardware readiness.
• Train and mentor technicians on new assembly techniques, tooling, and best practices.
• Maintain compliance with AS9100, NASA, and ECSS standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in spacecraft or aerospace system integration, manufacturing engineering, or related field.
• Strong understanding of satellite subsystems (avionics, structures, propulsion, harnessing, solar panels, etc.).
• Experience with CAD tools (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar) and PLM systems.
• Knowledge of GD&T, assembly tolerances, and precision alignment techniques.
• Familiarity with cleanroom operations, ESD controls, and contamination control procedures.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, process control, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Hands-on experience supporting satellite assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) is highly desirable.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Experience with high-reliability aerospace hardware in a low-volume, high-complexity production environment.
• Familiarity with tooling design and supplier management.
• Knowledge of CFR Part 21, NASA-STD, ECSS standards, and AS9100D requirements.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience working with automation or advanced manufacturing technologies.