Engineering Development Program (EDP) – Solar Panel Closeout

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

The Engineering Development Program (EDP) is designed for exceptional recent graduates who want to become spacecraft engineers by first learning how satellites are physically built.

Participants in this program will begin their careers working directly on the spacecraft production floor as Engineering Technicians supporting Solar Panel Closeout operations. In this role, participants will gain hands-on experience assembling, integrating, and closing out flight solar array panels used to power AST SpaceMobile satellites.

As participants demonstrate technical capability and leadership potential, they will progress through a structured development path:

Engineering Technician → Engineering Technician Supervisor → Associate Engineer

This program provides a rare opportunity to develop engineers who understand spacecraft hardware from the ground up—combining hands-on spacecraft assembly experience, early leadership development, and a clear transition into an engineering role.

Participants will gain direct experience building flight hardware, leading technical teams, and supporting spacecraft production at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Phase 1 – Engineering Technician

Participants begin the program working directly with spacecraft hardware supporting solar array panel closeout operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform hands-on spacecraft solar panel closeout operations including harness routing, mechanical assembly, bonding, and final panel integration.
• Support installation and routing of electrical harnesses, connectors, and cabling associated with spacecraft solar array systems.
• Assist with mechanical integration and final closeout of solar panel assemblies prior to spacecraft integration.
• Support bonding, potting, adhesive application, and curing processes in accordance with engineering procedures and workmanship standards.
• Follow strict cleanroom protocols including ESD and FOD control procedures when handling flight hardware.
• Support quality inspections and verification activities to ensure flight hardware meets engineering specifications and workmanship standards.
• Assist with troubleshooting assembly issues during spacecraft build operations.
• Work closely with engineers and senior technicians to execute spacecraft build procedures and production tasks.
  
  

This phase focuses on developing a deep understanding of spacecraft manufacturing, integration processes, and flight hardware handling.

Phase 2 – Engineering Technician Supervisor

After demonstrating strong technical performance and leadership capability, participants will transition into a supervisory role supporting solar array production operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead and supervise teams of technicians performing solar panel closeout and spacecraft assembly operations.
• Coordinate daily production activities to ensure spacecraft build milestones are achieved on schedule.
• Ensure technicians follow engineering procedures, quality standards, and cleanroom protocols.
• Train and mentor junior technicians in spacecraft assembly and flight hardware handling practices.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of assembly and integration issues during spacecraft production.
• Collaborate with engineering and production leadership to improve build processes and operational efficiency.
• Ensure proper documentation and compliance with spacecraft manufacturing standards.
  
  

This phase provides early leadership experience managing technical teams responsible for building flight spacecraft hardware.

Phase 3 – Associate Engineer

Upon successful completion of the development program, participants transition into an Associate Engineer role supporting spacecraft production and integration.

Responsibilities include:

• Support engineering teams in developing and improving spacecraft assembly and integration procedures.
• Assist with troubleshooting hardware integration challenges during spacecraft build operations.
• Analyze production processes and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Support spacecraft integration campaigns and cross-functional engineering efforts.
• Collaborate with design engineers to provide feedback from production operations to improve hardware designs.
• Support development of tooling, fixtures, and build processes for spacecraft production.
  
  

Participants completing the program transition into engineering roles with a unique advantage—direct experience building and integrating operational spacecraft hardware.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Physics or related technical discipline
  
  

Experience

• Recent graduate or early-career engineer with strong academic performance.
• Hands-on engineering project experience through internships, research labs, or academic programs.
• Experience working with mechanical assemblies, electronics, robotics, or hardware systems preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in spacecraft systems, aerospace manufacturing, or hardware engineering.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with mechanical assemblies, wiring harnesses, or electromechanical systems.
• Exposure to aerospace manufacturing, spacecraft systems, or cleanroom environments.
• Experience with bonding, adhesives, or precision assembly processes.
• Participation in engineering project teams, robotics competitions, or hardware-based research projects.
  
  

Soft Skills

• Strong curiosity and desire to understand how complex hardware systems are built.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to motivate and guide technical teams.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced engineering and production environment.
  
  

Technology Stack

Engineering & Manufacturing Tools

• Precision mechanical assembly tools
• Electrical harness installation equipment
• Adhesive and bonding application systems
  
  

Software & Productivity Tools

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Engineering documentation systems
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform hands-on work with spacecraft hardware and mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while performing integration and closeout operations.
• Ability to work in cleanroom environments under strict ESD and FOD control protocols.
• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 25 pounds as required for spacecraft integration tasks.
• Position is based at the Midland, Texas facility and requires on-site collaboration with spacecraft production and engineering teams.
  
  

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.