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.

Build Satellites. Apply in El Paso. Launch Your Career in Midland.

Have you worked in manufacturing, automotive, or mechanical assembly and want to take that skillset into something bigger? This is it. You’ll be building satellites and they don't get bigger than ours. If you have hands-on experience in manufacturing, automotive, or mechanical assembly, and are ready to apply those skills to something bigger, this is your opportunity. You’ll be contributing to the build of real satellite hardware, supporting one of the most advanced space manufacturing programs in the country.

This position is based in our satellite production facility in Midland, TX, with full relocation provided (details below).

Position Overview

We are seeking a Structural Technician, Lead to oversee a team responsible for assembling satellite structural components in a manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on leadership role—you're not just directing work, you're in it. You’ll combine technical skill, team leadership, and production ownership to drive quality and output. This role sits within the Control Sat (CSAT) Structures Group, responsible for the assembly and maintenance of primary satellite structures. Candidates should have strong experience working with composite and metallic structures in a precision environment.

Compensation & Schedule

Pay: /hour based on experience, with overtime opportunities. Higher-level roles are available for more experienced candidates at increased pay.
Schedule: Standard shift is Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (4x10) with paid lunch and breaks.
Flexibility: Night and weekend shifts with increased pay are also available depending on experience and team needs.

What You’ll Do:

Lead small teams of technicians while actively participating in structural assembly work
Assign and prioritize work based on production needs and team capability
Interpret and apply blueprints, engineering drawings, and work instructions
Lead rework efforts (MRO) based on engineering dispositions and non-conformance documentation
Assemble, drill, and fasten aluminum and composite components to spec
Ensure adherence to approved processes, documentation, and quality standards
Utilize tools such as calipers, palm drills, die grinders, rivet guns, and torque tools
Use jigs, fixtures, and tooling for precision assembly
Report progress, issues, and production status to leadership
Coach and develop technicians to meet quality and production targets
Coordinate with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve issues
Assist in training new team members
Act as the bridge between the floor and leadership
Ensure compliance with safety and company policies
Support additional production needs as required

Tools & Environment

Hand tools: drills, rivet guns, grinders, ratchets, calipers, etc.
Assembly equipment: jigs, fixtures, clecos, drill guides
Fasteners: Hi-Loks, rivets, bolts, inserts
Composite handling: surface prep, drilling, adhesives
Systems: MES, ERP, digital work instructions

What You Bring

High school diploma or GED required; technical training or degree preferred
Minimum 1+ year in aerospace, manufacturing, or mechanical assembly
Ability to lead in a fast-paced production environment
Strong communication and team coordination skills
Calm, solution-focused mindset under pressure
High attention to detail and accountability
Organized, reliable, and consistent
Ability to build trust and drive team performance

Preferred:

Experience leading or supervising technicians
Background in MRO / rework environments
Ability to assign work and communicate clearly
Strong problem-solving and team leadership skills
Experience working cross-functionally with engineering and quality

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
Ability to use hands and fingers to perform repetitive and precision tasks.
Ability to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as required to perform job duties.
Ability to communicate effectively, including talking and hearing.
Ability to work in, on, around, and in proximity to large structures, equipment, and tooling.
Ability to lift, push, and/or carry items up to 40 pounds as required.
Ability to work near moving mechanical parts and equipment.
Ability to work in and around tight or confined spaces.
Ability to work in environments that may include exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and/or hazardous materials (e.g., carbon fiber).

Benefits: (Eligibility dependent)

Medical, dental, vision
401(k) (pre-tax & Roth)
Life insurance, disability coverage
HSA, transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
PTO / sick leave

How the Process Works (and Why It’s Different)

The screening & hiring process begins with:

Your application
If selected, you'll do a virtual interview via Microsoft Teams
Candidates who move forward will then be invited to Midland, TX for a same-day round-trip, company-sponsored visit to tour the facility, meet the team, and complete onsite interviews.
This provides an opportunity to fully understand the work environment and expectations before making a final decision.
Immediate offers will be given

Same-Day Midland Visit (For Qualified Candidates)

We bus you to Midland and back to El Paso the same day so you can:

Walk the production floor
See real satellite builds in progress
Meet engineering, production, and leadership
Interview onsite (and potentially accelerate the process)
Get a clear picture of the move before making a decision

Role Timeline

Apply in El Paso, TX
Interview and Site tour of AST SpaceMobile in Midland, TX within a week
Immediate offer
Start as soon as you can get here with our relocation financial assistance

Relocation Support (If You Accept)

Up to $5,000 in temporary housing (first 3 months)
$1,050/month stipend to support living arrangements after 1st working month on an ongoing basis

If you are open to relocating to Midland, this can be a career changing, and life changing, move into the high-tech aerospace world offering a new skill set and job security in a very similar environment that will soon feel like home. We encourage you to apply to learn more about AST SpaceMobile and what Midland has to offer.

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.

Structural Technician Lead