Lead Mechanical Engineer - Launch Operations

Job Title: Lead Mechanical Engineer – Launch Operations

Job Description

This role leads all mechanical integration activities at the launch site, serving as the primary on-site mechanical authority throughout the launch campaign. The Lead Mechanical Engineer – Launch Operations defines and executes the mechanical integration strategy, ensures mechanical readiness of satellites and launch adapters, and drives risk mitigation for flight hardware and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE). The position bridges design, manufacturing, and launch operations while providing technical leadership, mentoring engineers and technicians, and coordinating with internal and external partners to ensure safe, efficient, and flawless launch execution.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead all mechanical integration efforts at the launch site, ensuring satellites and launch adapters are flight-ready and fully certified for launch.
• Define, document, and execute the mechanical integration strategy, including sequencing of operations and risk mitigation throughout launch campaigns.
• Lead the design, qualification, commissioning, and deployment of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) required for launch operations.
• Serve as the primary technical authority for mechanical issues during integration, testing, and launch operations, making timely decisions to protect schedule and mission success.
• Coordinate mechanical activities with systems engineering, integration teams, test operations, launch vehicle providers, and range operations to ensure smooth end-to-end execution.
• Review and approve mechanical procedures, work instructions, and non-conformance dispositions to ensure safety, compliance, and configuration control.
• Provide technical mentorship, guidance, and task leadership to mechanical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of ownership and continuous learning.
• Drive continuous improvement across mechanical processes, tooling, and launch site operational workflows to increase reliability, efficiency, and safety.
• Ensure precise interface management and GD&T compliance for flight hardware and MGSE throughout design, integration, and launch.
• Champion adherence to aerospace mechanical standards, safety protocols, and configuration control practices in all mechanical activities.
• Collaborate closely with launch vehicle providers and external partners to resolve interface issues and align mechanical integration plans with launch requirements.
• Support new product development efforts by feeding launch-site lessons learned back into mechanical design and integration strategies.

Essential Skills

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in the space industry with a focus on mechanical engineering and space hardware integration.
• Recent experience serving as a lead or responsible engineer during a full launch campaign.
• Demonstrated ownership of hardware or subsystem integration from design through launch, including hands-on launch base or cleanroom activities.
• Advanced experence in mechanical engineering with extensive space hardware integration and MGSE experience.
• Demonstrated experience as a technical or subsystem lead in launch base or cleanroom environments.
• Experience working directly with launch vehicle providers and external partners on mechanical integration topics.
• Experience leading small teams or directing cross-functional integration efforts in a high-reliability environment.
• Advanced proficiency in GD&T and precision interface management for aerospace applications.
• High proficiency in CAD tools such as AutoDesk Inventor (preferred), Creo, SolidWorks, NX, or Catia.
• Deep understanding of aerospace mechanical standards, safety protocols, and configuration control practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for documentation, reporting, and communication.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) design, qualification, and deployment.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience, including use of FEA tools for structural and thermal analysis.
• Experience with Fusion or equivalent Product Data Management (PDM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools.
• Experience in mechanical design for launch vehicles, satellites, or related space systems.
• Experience supporting new product development from concept through launch integration.
• Strong familiarity with configuration-controlled documentation, including procedures, work instructions, and non-conformance records.
• Ability to mentor and develop engineers and technicians in a fast-paced launch environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams and external partners.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily at launch and integration facilities, with a significant portion of time spent at a satellite production and launch preparation site in Midland, Texas. The Lead Mechanical Engineer can expect to spend approximately 30–50% of their time in Midland, supporting the build, integration, and loading of satellites, with a typical cadence of building around six satellites per month and coordinating multiple shipments. The position involves an initial period of about two weeks on-site in Midland to help build and establish the local team, followed by regular monthly trips to support ongoing launch campaigns and integration activities. Work is performed in a mix of office, cleanroom, and launch base environments, using CAD tools (such as AutoDesk Inventor, SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or Catia), FEA tools, PDM/PLM systems like Fusion or equivalents, and standard productivity software. The environment emphasizes adherence to aerospace mechanical standards, safety protocols, and configuration control, with frequent interaction with launch vehicle providers, integration teams, and test operations personnel.

This is a Permanent position based out of Cape Canaveral, FL.

The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

140K – 160K with 5000 ISU’s ( stock owner) Medical - Available through BCBS
• Three plans available for you to enroll in: Base, Buy Up and HDHP Dental – Available through BCBS
• Two plans available for you to enroll in: Base and Buy Up Vision – Available through BCBS
• One plan available for you to enroll in Account Based Benefits
• Healthcare FSA and Dependent Care FSA available
• Health Savings Account available – AST SpaceMobile provides a $250 annual employer contribution to those with an HSA enrolled in the HDHP plan Life Benefits - Available through Principal
• Basic Life/AD&D – 1x salary up to $250,000 (100% Employer Paid)
• Voluntary Life/AD&D is available AST SpaceMobile Benefits Available to You 2026 Benefits at a Glance Disability Benefits - Available through Principal
• Short Term Disability – 60% up to $2,500 (per week) (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability - 60% up to $10,000 (per month) (100% Employer Paid) Other Benefits Available
• Retirement (401k) through Fidelity - automatic enrollment at 3% contribution after 60 days of employment
• EAP through Principal
• Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and/or Accident through Principal
• In partnership with Bennie, you have access to fertility and family-building benefits through Kindbody The Bennie Discount Program with PerkSpot provides thousands of exclusive discounts in more than 25 different categories Below is a high-level summary of the AST SpaceMobile’s 2026 benefits provided to all eligible employees and new hires starting on their first day – no waiting period. Our plans renew and may change on our benefit anniversary date of January 1 each year. For more detailed information, please refer to our 2026 Benefit Guide. Need assistance with your benefits? Contact AST Human Resources at humanresources@ast-science.com | our member advocacy team at 844-905-3157 or via email at Askbennie@bennie.com | Via the Bennie App 2026 Benefits at a Glance Base Buy Up HDHP Medical Network Deductible EE / Fam (In-Network) EE / Fam (Out-of-Network) $2,500 / $5,000 $5,000 / $10,000 $1,500 / $3,000 $3,000 / $6,000 $3,400 / $6,800 $6,000 / $12,000 Coinsurance (IN / OON) 20% / 50% 10% / 50% 0% / 50% Out-Of-Pocket Maximum EE / Fam (In-Network) EE / Fam (Out-of-Network) $4,000 / $8,000 $10,000 / $20,000 $2,500 / $5,000 $10,000 / $20,000 $5,000 / $10,000 $10,000 / $20,000 Primary Care Copay (IN / OON) $30 Copay / 50% Coinsurance $30 Copay / 50% Coinsurance 0% Coinsurance / 50% Coinsurance Prescription Drugs (In-Network) (Generic / Tier 1 / Tier 2 / Tier 3) Retail Rx (30 days) Mail Order Rx (90 days) $15 / $40 / $75 $37.50 / $100 / $187.50 $15 / $45 / $65 $37.50 / $112.50 / $162.50 After deductible: $20 / $50 / $80 $50 / $125 / $200 Medical Benefits with BCBS Need assistance with your benefits? Contact AST Human Resources at humanresources@ast-science.com | our member advocacy team at 844-905-3157 or via email at Askbennie@bennie.com | Via the Bennie App (Copay / Frequency) EyeMed Vision Exam Materials (Contacts / Frequency) $10 / 12 Months $25 / 12 Months Frames Contacts (Allowance/ Frequency) $150 / 24 Months $150 / 12 Months Dental Benefits with BCBS Vision Benefits with BCBS (Copay / Frequency) Base Plan Buy Up Plan Deductible (Single / Family) $50 / $150 $50 / $150 Annual Maximum $1,000 $2,250 Preventive/ Basic / Major 100% / 80% / 50% 100% / 80% / 50% Orthodontia (inc. Adult & Children) Not Covered $1,500 Max / 50%

This is a hybrid position in Cape Canaveral,FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 4, 2026.

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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $140,000 - $160,000