Mechanical Engineer - Launch Operations

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer - Launch Operations

Job Description

We are seeking a Launch Operations Mechanical Engineer who plays a critical role in the final, high-stakes phase of mission success. This position oversees mechanical processes and equipment at the launch base, ensuring all systems meet rigorous aerospace standards. The role bridges the gap between design and flight, managing the physical build, qualification, and configuration of the satellite while supporting the design of essential Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) used across launch site operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical integration efforts at the launch site, ensuring the satellite is flight-ready and configured according to mission specifications.
• Design and implement Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE), including handling fixtures, transport containers, and integration stands.
• Oversee the mechanical assembly and qualification testing of satellite hardware to meet safety and performance requirements prior to launch.
• Enforce strict aerospace mechanical standards and safety protocols to mitigate risk and ensure mission reliability.
• Collaborate closely with integration, systems engineering, and launch vehicle teams to align mechanical activities with the overall launch schedule.

Essential Skills

• 5 years of direct experience in the aerospace industry or a high-flow manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting the full lifecycle of a product—from design and build through final qualification and deployment.
• Strong experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on aerospace hardware integration and MGSE design.
• Experience working in high-pressure launch base or cleanroom environments where precision is paramount.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CREO, SolidWorks, or Catia) for developing ground support hardware.
• Deep understanding of aerospace mechanical standards and safety protocols.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical issues on the fly during critical integration windows.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with automated integration systems used in large-scale aerospace assembly.
• Advanced proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) for high-precision mechanical interfaces.
• Prior experience overseeing small teams or managing hardware subsystems throughout a launch campaign.
• CAD Tools: AutoDesk Inventor (preferred), SolidWorks, NX, Creo.
• Analysis Tools: Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience preferred.
• Data/Documentation Systems: Fusion or equivalent PDM/PLM tools.
• General Tools: Microsoft Office Suite.

Work Environment

The work environment involves high-pressure launch base or cleanroom settings where precision is crucial. The role requires proficiency in using CAD tools and analysis software to develop and refine mechanical systems. Collaboration with various engineering teams is essential to ensure alignment with the overall launch schedule.

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

The pay range for this position is $105000.00 - $115000.00/yr.

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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The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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 : $105,000 - $115,000