Shift Supervisor - Rigging & Lifting

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.

Position Overview

The Shift Supervisor - Rigging & Lifting, is responsible for directing all rigging and lifting activities during their assigned shift. Serving as the designated Lift Director, this role leads a five-person rigging team and ensures safe, compliant, and precise execution of lifts involving sensitive or high-value equipment. The supervisor coordinates with production, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to established standards across all lifting operations.

Key Responsibilities

Rigging & Lifting Oversight:

• Serve as the Lift Director for the assigned shift.
• Supervise all rigging and lifting operations involving sensitive or high-value equipment.
• Review and validate lift plans, load paths, and equipment setups before each lift.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, ASME, and internal safety procedures.

Team Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and support a five-person rigging team.
• Assign daily tasks, allocate manpower, and ensure operational readiness.
• Conduct team meetings, pre-lift briefings, and shift safety discussions.
• Provide performance feedback and support employee skill development.

Safety & Compliance:

• Enforce proper rigging techniques, PPE usage, and lifting protocols.
• Conduct inspections of rigging gear, tag out unsafe items, and maintain equipment readiness.
• Participate in incident reviews and contribute to corrective action planning.

Coordination & Communication:

• Communicate lift requirements, timing, and risk considerations with production and maintenance teams.
• Coordinate with engineering on lifting needs related to special tooling, assemblies, or sensitive components.
• Document lift activities, equipment usage, and shift reports for the Rigging/Lifting Manager.

Training & Development:

• Support ongoing training initiatives for rigging personnel.
• Assist with evaluating team competency, certifications, and development needs.
• Promote continuous improvement in safety, execution quality, and rigging best practices.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma required.
• Technical training in rigging or lifting operations preferred.

Experience

• 3-5 years of rigging or lifting experience in manufacturing, aerospace, construction, or similar industrial environment.
• Prior team lead or supervisory experience preferred.

Certifications

• Rigging certification preferred (e.g., NCCCO Rigger Level I or II, or equivalent).
• Signal person certification a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting critical lifts or working with sensitive/high-value equipment.
• Working knowledge of crane operations, lift planning, and rigging hardware.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to read lift plans, engineering drawings, and risk assessments.
• High attention to detail and strong situational awareness.
• Commitment to safety and procedural compliance.

Technology Stack

• MS Office Suite
• Ability to interpret digital drawings and lift-plan documents
• Experience with maintenance or lifting-equipment tracking tools (preferred)

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in shop-floor environments with noise, temperature variation, and active lifting operations.
• Ability to work near cranes, hoists, and rigging equipment.

This job description may not be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed based on 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.