AI Lab Manager

Job description

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight. Position Overview: AST SpaceMobile is seeking an AI Data Operations Manager based in Midland, TX to operate, secure, and run the day-to-day operations of the on-site AI Lab supporting the AI & Autonomy division. You will be the single point of accountability for the lab’s physical security, IT and server infrastructure, and the part-time image-labeling workforce that produces the labeled datasets feeding our computer-vision and robotics models. You will enforce strict lab access and information-security rules — no personal phones, photography, personal electronics, or removable storage media inside the lab — and ensure all workstations, GPU servers, storage, and network equipment are properly maintained, patched, and locked down. You will hire, train, schedule, and supervise a part-time labeling workforce on AST’s in-house labeling software, partnering daily with quality inspectors and manufacturing engineers to capture, log, and curate the imagery that trains spacecraft inspection and robotic computer-vision models. This is a hands-on role for a computer-literate, security-conscious operator who is comfortable owning both people and infrastructure. What You’ll Be Doing: Manage the day-to-day operation of the on-site AI Lab in Midland, including opening, securing, and closing the facility and ensuring the lab is locked at all non-operating hours Enforce lab access and information-security rules — no personal cell phones, cameras, photography, personal electronics, or removable storage media (USB sticks, SD cards, external drives) inside the lab — and maintain visitor logs and badge access controls Hire, onboard, schedule, and supervise a part-time computer-vision image-labeling workforce, ensuring consistent shift coverage and adequate throughput on labeling queues Train labelers on AST’s in-house image-labeling software, including labeling conventions, ontology updates, quality standards, escalation paths, and productivity expectations Monitor labeling output for accuracy and consistency, run calibration and inter-rater agreement checks, and provide ongoing coaching and corrective feedback to the labeling team Partner daily with manufacturing quality inspectors and engineers to plan, capture, log, and ingest images and short-form video of spacecraft components and assembly steps used to train computer-vision and robotics models Maintain the lab’s image- and video-capture workflow: managing camera rigs, lighting, fixtures, capture protocols, file naming, metadata, and chain-of-custody from the factory floor into lab storage Manage and maintain lab compute resources including workstations, GPU servers, storage arrays, networking equipment, and backup systems; coordinate with Corporate IT on patching, imaging, account provisioning, and ticket resolution Track and audit lab assets, software licenses, peripherals, and consumables; maintain accurate inventory and asset-tag records Own lab safety, ESD, and housekeeping standards, ensuring the workspace meets manufacturing-floor cleanliness and electrical-safety expectations Maintain operational runbooks, standard operating procedures, training materials, and security policies for the lab; lead periodic security reviews and access audits Report on lab utilization, labeling throughput, dataset growth, security incidents, and infrastructure health to the Chief of AI and Autonomy What You Bring: 3+ years of experience managing a lab, secure operations area, IT/data center, or other controlled-access environment Demonstrated security-conscious mindset with experience enforcing access-control, information-security, or export-controlled workspace rules Strong computer literacy: comfortable administering Windows and/or Linux workstations, identity tooling (Active Directory or equivalent), basic networking, and standard productivity tools Experience supervising and training an hourly or part-time workforce, including scheduling, performance feedback, and quality oversight Comfort partnering with engineers and shop-floor technicians in a manufacturing or hardware environment Strong written and verbal communication and meticulous documentation habits Ability to be physically on-site in Midland, TX and to occasionally support extended or off-shift hours during high-throughput campaigns High school diploma or equivalent Must be legally authorized to work in the United States Preferred: Prior experience supporting computer vision, machine learning, or data-labeling operations Familiarity with image-labeling tooling (e.g., CVAT, Labelbox, Scale, or in-house equivalents) and labeling QA practices Experience administering GPU workstations or servers (NVIDIA driver / CUDA toolchains) Background in aerospace, defense, or other ITAR / export-controlled environments Experience with badge access systems, video surveillance, and facility access auditing Familiarity with manufacturing quality processes, Automated Optical Inspection (AOI), or visual inspection workflows Coursework or certifications in IT, cybersecurity, networking, or facility security Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred Physical Requirements & Work Environment: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Ability to use hands and fingers to perform repetitive and precision tasks. Ability to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as required to perform job duties. Ability to communicate effectively, including talking and hearing. Ability to work in, on, around, and in proximity to large structures, equipment, and tooling. Ability to lift, push, and/or carry items up to 15 pounds as required. Ability to work near moving mechanical parts and equipment. Ability to work in and around tight or confined spaces. Ability to work in environments that may include exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and/or hazardous materials (e.g., carbon fiber). Ability to work in an office setting with periodic exposure to operational, manufacturing, warehouse, or production areas. Ability to work in environments that may include moderate noise levels when entering operational or manufacturing spaces. Ability to work in multiple departments, buildings, or operational areas during the workday. Ability to work in extended computer usage and prolonged periods at a workstation. Benefits: (Eligibility dependent) Medical, dental, vision 401(k) (pre-tax & Roth) Life insurance, disability coverage HSA, transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program PTO / sick leave 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.