Mechanisms Launch Engineer

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 We are seeking a Mechanisms Launch Base Engineer to support the final integration, inspection, verification, and launch-site readiness of spacecraft mechanical systems and launch vehicle interface hardware. This role is responsible for executing critical launch campaign activities involving spacecraft mechanisms, separation systems, electrical disconnect interfaces, and related flight hardware. The engineer will perform hands-on integration and test operations in support of launch readiness while ensuring strict adherence to configuration control, safety requirements, quality standards, and operational procedures. As the on-site mechanisms subject matter expert, this individual will work closely with engineering, integration, launch operations, and external mission partners to ensure all mechanical and electrical interfaces meet flight requirements prior to launch. Success in this position requires exceptional attention to detail, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, schedule-driven launch environment. Key Responsibilities: Perform and document final flight inspections of spacecraft mechanisms and launch vehicle separation systems, verifying configuration, torque values, fastener installation, cleanliness, and compliance with approved engineering documentation and interface requirements. Execute launch vehicle separation system mechanical integration activities, including installation and verification of separation hardware, mechanical interfaces, release systems, and associated flight hardware. Perform final flight electrical connector mating operations, verifying connector condition, engagement, alignment, continuity, and overall interface integrity. Conduct mechanical and electrical verification testing of separation systems and related flight hardware, documenting results and supporting certification of launch readiness. Perform continuity testing, interface verification, loopback checks, and other electrical validation activities required during launch integration campaigns. Maintain strict Safe-to-Mate (S2M) processes and inspection requirements, including connector inspections, environmental controls, documentation, and photographic traceability. Support mechanism and spacecraft configuration control through final vehicle processing, integrated testing, and launch operations. Review and disposition hardware discrepancies, support anomaly investigations, and provide real-time feedback on procedures, work instructions, and operational best practices. Coordinate closely with launch vehicle integration teams, mission partners, operations personnel, quality representatives, and safety organizations to execute launch campaign activities. Maintain thorough documentation and traceability of inspections, testing, hardware configurations, and installation records required for mission certification and launch documentation packages. Support launch countdown activities, rehearsals, readiness reviews, and mission-critical troubleshooting efforts. Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, quality, contamination control, and operational requirements during launch site activities. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Required Qualifications: Demonstrated experience performing and documenting hardware inspections, integration activities, and torque-controlled mechanical operations. Direct experience working with electrical connectors, harnesses, or flight-like electrical interfaces, including continuity and functional verification. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly procedures, interface control documents (ICDs), specifications, and test procedures. Familiarity with configuration management and documentation processes in highly regulated engineering environments. Strong understanding of mechanical assembly techniques, hardware verification, and engineering quality standards. Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of experience supporting aerospace, spacecraft, launch vehicle, defense, aviation, or other complex engineering hardware programs. Experience supporting hardware integration, test, manufacturing, commissioning, or field engineering activities in a mission-critical environment. Preferred Qualifications: Direct launch-site experience supporting spacecraft or launch vehicle integration campaigns. Experience with spacecraft mechanisms, deployment systems, separation hardware, release systems, or comparable flight-critical devices. Familiarity with launch vehicle mechanical and electrical interface verification activities. Experience working with disconnect systems, umbilical interfaces, or other integrated launch support hardware. Knowledge of electrical test techniques including continuity verification, insulation resistance testing, and interface validation. Understanding of pyrotechnic, ordnance, or other controlled aerospace systems and associated safety protocols. Familiarity with industry standards and best practices related to aerospace structures, mechanisms, and launch integration activities. Experience supporting flight hardware through final integration, environmental testing, or launch operations. Knowledge of quality management systems, nonconformance processes, and corrective action workflows. Soft Skills Exceptional attention to detail and inspection discipline when working with flight-critical hardware. Ability to maintain rigorous compliance with procedures and configuration control requirements under schedule-driven conditions. Strong verbal and written communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders. Effective problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities in fast-paced operational environments. Sound independent judgment and decision-making during mission-critical activities. Ability to work collaboratively across engineering, manufacturing, integration, quality, and operations teams. Willingness to raise concerns and stop work when hardware, processes, or safety requirements are not being met. Adaptability and composure while working under launch campaign schedules and operational constraints. Technology Stack Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) PLM and document control systems (e.g., Windchill, Arena, or equivalent) Configuration management and engineering change documentation systems Calibrated torque tools and torque documentation systems Electrical test equipment including DMMs, continuity testers, insulation resistance testers, and related verification tooling CAD viewing tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent) Digital work instruction, quality, and test documentation platforms Physical Requirements Ability to perform hands-on hardware operations in cleanroom, integration facility, and launch site environments. Ability to work in confined spaces, elevated work platforms, and other aerospace operational environments. Compliance with ESD, contamination control, and clean-as-you-go requirements. Ability to lift, carry, and manipulate hardware, tools, fixtures, and test equipment required for integration activities. Willingness and ability to travel to launch sites and support extended-duration launch campaigns. Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and schedule shifts driven by launch operations. Ability to work safely in accordance with applicable safety protocols, including in proximity to hazardous operations. Ability to obtain and maintain required site access, training certifications, and operational authorizations necessary to support launch activities. 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.