Mechanisms Launch Engineer

About this role

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

We are seeking a Mechanisms Launch Base Engineer to support the final integration, inspection, verification, and launch-site readiness of spacecraft mechanical systems and launch vehicle interface hardware. This role is responsible for executing critical launch campaign activities involving spacecraft mechanisms, separation systems, electrical disconnect interfaces, and related flight hardware. The engineer will perform hands-on integration and test operations in support of launch readiness while ensuring strict adherence to configuration control, safety requirements, quality standards, and operational procedures.

As the on-site mechanisms subject matter expert, this individual will work closely with engineering, integration, launch operations, and external mission partners to ensure all mechanical and electrical interfaces meet flight requirements prior to launch. Success in this position requires exceptional attention to detail, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, schedule-driven launch environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform and document final flight inspections of spacecraft mechanisms and launch vehicle separation systems, verifying configuration, torque values, fastener installation, cleanliness, and compliance with approved engineering documentation and interface requirements.

• Execute launch vehicle separation system mechanical integration activities, including installation and verification of separation hardware, mechanical interfaces, release systems, and associated flight hardware.

• Perform final flight electrical connector mating operations, verifying connector condition, engagement, alignment, continuity, and overall interface integrity.

• Conduct mechanical and electrical verification testing of separation systems and related flight hardware, documenting results and supporting certification of launch readiness.

• Perform continuity testing, interface verification, loopback checks, and other electrical validation activities required during launch integration campaigns.

• Maintain strict Safe-to-Mate (S2M) processes and inspection requirements, including connector inspections, environmental controls, documentation, and photographic traceability.

• Support mechanism and spacecraft configuration control through final vehicle processing, integrated testing, and launch operations.

• Review and disposition hardware discrepancies, support anomaly investigations, and provide real-time feedback on procedures, work instructions, and operational best practices.

• Coordinate closely with launch vehicle integration teams, mission partners, operations personnel, quality representatives, and safety organizations to execute launch campaign activities.

• Maintain thorough documentation and traceability of inspections, testing, hardware configurations, and installation records required for mission certification and launch documentation packages.

• Support launch countdown activities, rehearsals, readiness reviews, and mission-critical troubleshooting efforts.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, quality, contamination control, and operational requirements during launch site activities.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience performing and documenting hardware inspections, integration activities, and torque-controlled mechanical operations.

• Direct experience working with electrical connectors, harnesses, or flight-like electrical interfaces, including continuity and functional verification.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly procedures, interface control documents (ICDs), specifications, and test procedures.

• Familiarity with configuration management and documentation processes in highly regulated engineering environments.

• Strong understanding of mechanical assembly techniques, hardware verification, and engineering quality standards.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience supporting aerospace, spacecraft, launch vehicle, defense, aviation, or other complex engineering hardware programs.

• Experience supporting hardware integration, test, manufacturing, commissioning, or field engineering activities in a mission-critical environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct launch-site experience supporting spacecraft or launch vehicle integration campaigns.

• Experience with spacecraft mechanisms, deployment systems, separation hardware, release systems, or comparable flight-critical devices.

• Familiarity with launch vehicle mechanical and electrical interface verification activities.

• Experience working with disconnect systems, umbilical interfaces, or other integrated launch support hardware.

• Knowledge of electrical test techniques including continuity verification, insulation resistance testing, and interface validation.

• Understanding of pyrotechnic, ordnance, or other controlled aerospace systems and associated safety protocols.

• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices related to aerospace structures, mechanisms, and launch integration activities.

• Experience supporting flight hardware through final integration, environmental testing, or launch operations.

• Knowledge of quality management systems, nonconformance processes, and corrective action workflows.

Soft Skills

• Exceptional attentio

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