{"id":1302957,"url":"https://alion.io/job/ast-science-launch-operations-mechanical-engineer-lead","title":"Launch Operations Mechanical Engineer Lead","company":{"id":2057930,"name":"AST SpaceMobile","domain":"ast-science.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/ast-science","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"C","score":65,"open_postings":203,"ghost_share":0.581,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":null,"computed_at":"2026-09-28T05:45:00Z"}},"role":"Operations","role_family":"Operations","seniority":"lead","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Titusville, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":87000,"max_usd":200000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":660},"experience_years_min":8,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"SolidWorks","optional":false},{"name":"Microsoft Office","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-02-12T01:39:36Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-08-13","last_verified_at":"2026-09-28T22:36:25Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":228,"trust":{"level":"ghost","repost_count":0,"flags":["stale","company_stale"],"days_open":228},"description":"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.\nPosition Overview\nWe are seeking a Launch Operations Mechanical Engineer Lead who will own and drive all mechanical integration activities at the launch site. This role provides technical authority and execution leadership throughout the launch campaign, ensuring mechanical readiness, risk mitigation, and flawless execution for flight hardware and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE). The Lead serves as the primary on-site mechanical authority, bridging design, manufacturing, and launch operations while mentoring engineers and coordinating across internal and external partners to ensure mission success.\nKey Responsibilities\nLead and own mechanical integration efforts at the launch site, ensuring satellites and launch adapters are flight-ready and fully certified for launch.\nDefine and execute the mechanical integration strategy, sequencing, and risk mitigation throughout launch campaigns.\nLead the design, qualification, and deployment of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE).\nServe as the primary technical authority for mechanical issues during integration, testing, and launch operations.\nCoordinate mechanical activities with systems engineering, integration teams, test operations, launch vehicle providers, and range operations.\nReview and approve mechanical procedures, work instructions, and non-conformance dispositions.\nProvide technical mentorship, guidance, and task leadership to mechanical engineers and technicians.\nDrive continuous improvement across mechanical processes, tooling, and launch site operational workflows.\nQualifications\nEducation:\nBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.\nExperience:\nA minimum of 8 years of experience in the aerospace industry or a comparable high-reliability manufacturing environment.\nDemonstrated ownership of hardware or subsystem integration from design through launch.\nAdvanced background in mechanical engineering with extensive aerospace hardware integration and MGSE experience.\nDemonstrated experience as a technical or subsystem lead in launch base or cleanroom environments.\nHigh proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., Inventor (preferred), CREO, SolidWorks, Catia).\nDeep understanding of aerospace mechanical standards, safety protocols, and configuration control.\nPreferred Qualifications:\nPrior experience serving as a lead or responsible engineer during a full launch campaign.\nAdvanced proficiency in GD&T and precision interface management.\nExperience working directly with launch vehicle providers and external partners.\nExperience leading small teams or directing cross-functional integration efforts.\nSoft Skills:\nStrong technical leadership and confident decision-making capability.\nExcellent cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills.\nHigh attention to detail with strong ownership, accountability, and follow-\nAbility to lead effectively during critical or time-sensitive operations.\nTechnology Stack:\nCAD Tools: AutoDesk Inventor (preferred), SolidWorks, NX, Creo\nAnalysis Tools: Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience preferred\nData/Documentation Systems: Fusion or equivalent PDM/PLM tools\nGeneral Tools: Microsoft Office Suite\nPhysical Requirements:\nHands-on work with flight hardware, test setups, and precision instruments.\nAbility to lift and move up to 50 lbs.\nAvailability for extended or irregular shifts during launch campaigns.\nThis 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. \nAST 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.","description_format":"text","description_chars":4467,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":8,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":[],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Telecommunications"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-26T12:21:47Z"}],"liveness":{"score":6,"band":"cold","label":"Long shot","p_open":1,"p_active":0.201,"p_room":0.28,"age_days":228,"expected_fill_days":32,"reasons":["conf:0","stale_co","velocity","ghost","win:tail","crowd:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-09-28T05:45:00Z"},"pay":null,"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/ast-science-launch-operations-mechanical-engineer-lead","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/ast-science-launch-operations-mechanical-engineer-lead.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-09-28T22:51:44Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","usage":{"tier":"crawler","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":499,"day_limit":5000,"remaining_today":4501,"minute_limit":60,"resets_at":"2026-09-29T00:00:00Z"}}}