Tooling Engineer

AST Space Mobile 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.

We are seeking a talented Tooling Engineer to join our satellite Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) team, responsible for the design, fabrication, and validation of tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment used in spacecraft assembly, integration, and test.

• Design and modeling of tooling, fixtures, jigs, and GSE used in spacecraft assembly, integration, and test. Prepare preliminary designs with layouts, sketches, testing requirements, materials, processes, and tools, and define interfaces with other mechanical subsystems.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing drawings and interface control drawings for tooling and fixtures used to handle, transport, and protect flight hardware during assembly, integration, and test.
• Provide technical support to AIT activities including fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of tooling and ground support equipment.
• Responsible for the design and capability of tooling and fixtures to meet program technical requirements.
• Support structural decisions and engineering trade-offs to identify the best tooling architectures and design approaches.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field

• A minimum of 2 years of hands‑on experience designing tooling, fixtures, or ground support equipment for spacecraft or aerospace manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test.

• Higher degree is preferred
• Experience using PDM and PLM software is preferred
• Direct experience designing tooling and fixtures for AIT activities
• Design of large welded steel tooling and fixture assemblies
• Knowledge in GD&T is a plus
• Technical skills in FEM computer methods using standard analytical tools and classical structural analysis methods is a plus

• Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team with other engineers
• Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment
• Fluent English written and verbal communication skills

• CAD software (Inventor is preferred)

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods
• Ability to perform light assembly work and lift items up to 50 lbs

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 Space Mobile 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.