Product Manager – Spacecraft Systems (LEO Satellites)

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 an execution-driven Technical Product Manager to own the end-to-end delivery of complex electrical and mechanical subsystems for our LEO satellite platform. This is not a traditional product management role—it is built for operators who thrive in ambiguity, move with urgency, and close gaps across engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering and operations, with direct responsibility for driving purchase orders, managing suppliers, tracking hardware builds, and ensuring on-time subsystem delivery in a high-intensity startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

Program Execution & Ownership

• Own delivery of critical spacecraft subsystems (structures, power electronics, harnessing, propulsion, etc.)
• Translate high-level program goals into aggressive daily and weekly execution plans
• Drive sprint planning, stand-ups, and execution tracking across engineering and supply chain
• Identify risks early and aggressively push for resolution

Supply Chain & Vendor Management

• Generate, track, and manage Purchase Orders (POs) end-to-end
• Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers for electrical and mechanical components
• Maintain frequent communication with vendors to monitor build progress
• Hold suppliers accountable to schedule, cost, and quality targets
• Travel to supplier sites as needed to resolve issues

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Serve as the connective layer between electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test teams
• Ensure designs translate into manufacturable, deliverable hardware
• Align engineering timelines with procurement and supply chain realities
• Support integration and test readiness, including system-level builds

Hardware Build Tracking

• Track progress of complex assemblies across vendors and internal teams
• Maintain real-time visibility into part shortages, delays, and risks
• Drive fast decision-making in constrained or ambiguous situations

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering

Experience

• 3–8 years of experience in hardware development, supply chain, or technical program/product management
• Experience working with complex electrical and/or mechanical systems (aerospace, automotive, robotics, energy, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in LEO satellite or aerospace hardware development
• Familiarity with power systems, harnessing, PCBs, structures, or propulsion
• Experience in a startup or high-growth environment
• Hands-on engineering experience (building, testing, or debugging hardware)

Soft Skills

• Relentless execution mindset with strong follow-through
• High sense of urgency and ability to operate on aggressive timelines
• Technically fluent with the ability to challenge engineers and suppliers
• Low ego with high ownership; willing to step in wherever needed
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and rapid change
• Strong communicator—clear, direct, and persistent

Technology Stack

• Engineering drawings and BOM management tools
• Hardware development lifecycle tools and systems
• Supply chain and procurement systems (PO management)
• Cross-functional planning and execution tracking tools

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel to supplier sites as needed
• Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments
• Capability to support extended hours in a fast-paced, high-demand 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.