AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.

Position Overview

The Engineering Development Program (EDP) is designed for exceptional recent graduates who want to become spacecraft engineers by 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 CSAT structures, integrations, and major assembly operations. In this role, participants will gain hands-on experience assembling and integrating flight components into the spacecraft.

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

Engineering Technician → Associate Manufacturing Engineer → Manufacturing 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 CSAT structures, integrations, and major assembly operations.

Responsibilities include:

Perform hands-on assembly and integration of CSAT structures, mechanical subsystems, and flight components.
Support mechanical integration, alignment, and fastening of spacecraft assemblies.
Assist with bonding, adhesives, potting, and precision assembly processes in accordance with engineering procedures and workmanship standards.
Follow strict cleanroom protocols including ESD and FOD control when handling flight hardware.
Support quality inspections and verification activities to ensure hardware meets engineering specifications and workmanship standards.
Assist with troubleshooting assembly or integration issues during spacecraft production.
Collaborate closely with engineers and senior technicians to execute assembly and integration tasks.

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

Phase 2 – Associate Manufacturing Engineer

After demonstrating strong technical performance and leadership capability, participants transition into a supervisory role supporting CSAT structures and major assembly operations.

Responsibilities include:

Lead and supervise teams performing assembly and integration of spacecraft hardware.
Coordinate daily production activities to ensure assembly milestones are achieved on schedule.
Ensure technicians follow engineering procedures, quality standards, and cleanroom protocols.
Train and mentor junior technicians in spacecraft assembly and integration practices.
Support troubleshooting and resolution of assembly and integration challenges.
Collaborate with engineering and production leadership to improve 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 – Manufacturing Engineer

Upon successful completion of the development program, participants transition into a Manufacturing 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.