{"id":1302988,"url":"https://alion.io/job/ast-science-mechanisms-launch-engineer","title":"Mechanisms Launch Engineer","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":"A","score":88,"open_postings":240,"ghost_share":0.121,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":114,"computed_at":"2026-10-29T05:49:05Z"}},"role":"Aerospace","role_family":"Aerospace","seniority":"middle","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":77000,"max_usd":150000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":162},"experience_years_min":3,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"CATIA","optional":true},{"name":"Microsoft Office","optional":true},{"name":"Outlook","optional":true},{"name":"SolidWorks","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-07-13T14:48:26Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-07-15","last_verified_at":"2026-10-29T06:24:26Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":107,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":["company_stale"],"days_open":107},"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 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.\nAs 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.\nKey Responsibilities:\nPerform 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.\nExecute launch vehicle separation system mechanical integration activities, including installation and verification of separation hardware, mechanical interfaces, release systems, and associated flight hardware.\nPerform final flight electrical connector mating operations, verifying connector condition, engagement, alignment, continuity, and overall interface integrity.\nConduct mechanical and electrical verification testing of separation systems and related flight hardware, documenting results and supporting certification of launch readiness.\nPerform continuity testing, interface verification, loopback checks, and other electrical validation activities required during launch integration campaigns.\nMaintain strict Safe-to-Mate (S2M) processes and inspection requirements, including connector inspections, environmental controls, documentation, and photographic traceability.\nSupport mechanism and spacecraft configuration control through final vehicle processing, integrated testing, and launch operations.\nReview and disposition hardware discrepancies, support anomaly investigations, and provide real-time feedback on procedures, work instructions, and operational best practices.\nCoordinate closely with launch vehicle integration teams, mission partners, operations personnel, quality representatives, and safety organizations to execute launch campaign activities.\nMaintain thorough documentation and traceability of inspections, testing, hardware configurations, and installation records required for mission certification and launch documentation packages.\nSupport launch countdown activities, rehearsals, readiness reviews, and mission-critical troubleshooting efforts.\nEnsure compliance with all applicable safety, quality, contamination control, and operational requirements during launch site activities.\nQualifications\nEducation:\nBachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.\nRequired Qualifications:\nDemonstrated experience performing and documenting hardware inspections, integration activities, and torque-controlled mechanical operations.\nDirect experience working with electrical connectors, harnesses, or flight-like electrical interfaces, including continuity and functional verification.\nAbility to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly procedures, interface control documents (ICDs), specifications, and test procedures.\nFamiliarity with configuration management and documentation processes in highly regulated engineering environments.\nStrong understanding of mechanical assembly techniques, hardware verification, and engineering quality standards.\nExperience:\nMinimum of 3+ years of experience supporting aerospace, spacecraft, launch vehicle, defense, aviation, or other complex engineering hardware programs.\nExperience supporting hardware integration, test, manufacturing, commissioning, or field engineering activities in a mission-critical environment.\nPreferred Qualifications:\nDirect launch-site experience supporting spacecraft or launch vehicle integration campaigns.\nExperience with spacecraft mechanisms, deployment systems, separation hardware, release systems, or comparable flight-critical devices.\nFamiliarity with launch vehicle mechanical and electrical interface verification activities.\nExperience working with disconnect systems, umbilical interfaces, or other integrated launch support hardware.\nKnowledge of electrical test techniques including continuity verification, insulation resistance testing, and interface validation.\nUnderstanding of pyrotechnic, ordnance, or other controlled aerospace systems and associated safety protocols.\nFamiliarity with industry standards and best practices related to aerospace structures, mechanisms, and launch integration activities.\nExperience supporting flight hardware through final integration, environmental testing, or launch operations.\nKnowledge of quality management systems, nonconformance processes, and corrective action workflows.\nSoft Skills\nExceptional attention to detail and inspection discipline when working with flight-critical hardware.\nAbility to maintain rigorous compliance with procedures and configuration control requirements under schedule-driven conditions.\nStrong verbal and written communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders.\nEffective problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities in fast-paced operational environments.\nSound independent judgment and decision-making during mission-critical activities.\nAbility to work collaboratively across engineering, manufacturing, integration, quality, and operations teams.\nWillingness to raise concerns and stop work when hardware, processes, or safety requirements are not being met.\nAdaptability and composure while working under launch campaign schedules and operational constraints.\nTechnology Stack\nMicrosoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)\nPLM and document control systems (e.g., Windchill, Arena, or equivalent)\nConfiguration management and engineering change documentation systems\nCalibrated torque tools and torque documentation systems\nElectrical test equipment including DMMs, continuity testers, insulation resistance testers, and related verification tooling\nCAD viewing tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent)\nDigital work instruction, quality, and test documentation platforms\nPhysical Requirements\nAbility to perform hands-on hardware operations in cleanroom, integration facility, and launch site environments.\nAbility to work in confined spaces, elevated work platforms, and other aerospace operational environments.\nCompliance with ESD, contamination control, and clean-as-you-go requirements.\nAbility to lift, carry, and manipulate hardware, tools, fixtures, and test equipment required for integration activities.\nWillingness and ability to travel to launch sites and support extended-duration launch campaigns.\nAbility to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and schedule shifts driven by launch operations.\nAbility to work safely in accordance with applicable safety protocols, including in proximity to hazardous operations.\nAbility to obtain and maintain required site access, training certifications, and operational authorizations necessary to support launch activities.\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":8788,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":3,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Flexible schedule"],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Satellite Communications","Satellite Manufacturing","Mobile Networks"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-26T12:21:47Z"}],"visa":[{"country":"US","licensed_sponsor":true,"evidence":"H-1B filings in 12 months: 12 · green card filings: 3","filings_12m":12,"filings_prev_12m":2,"green_card_filings_12m":3,"median_offered_wage_usd":139833,"route":null,"cap_exempt":false,"checked_at":"2026-10-15T11:24:14+00:00","sources":["US Department of Labor: LCA disclosure data (H-1B, H-1B1, E-3)","US Department of Labor: PERM disclosure data (green cards)"],"filings_for_role_12m":0}],"liveness":{"score":47,"band":"ok","label":"Likely open","p_open":1,"p_active":0.776,"p_room":0.6,"age_days":107,"expected_fill_days":114,"reasons":["conf:3","velocity","win:late","crowd:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-10-29T05:49:05Z"},"pay":null,"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/ast-science-mechanisms-launch-engineer","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/ast-science-mechanisms-launch-engineer.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-10-29T07:45:47Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":11954,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-10-30T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":2057930},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=2057930"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Fast-science-mechanisms-launch-engineer"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Fast-science-mechanisms-launch-engineer"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Fast-science-mechanisms-launch-engineer"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/ast-science-mechanisms-launch-engineer\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Fast-science-mechanisms-launch-engineer"}],"agent":{"mcp":"https://alion.io/mcp/jobs","mcp_open":"https://alion.io/mcp/open","next":[{"tool":"get_job","arguments":{"id":1302988}},{"tool":"search_jobs","arguments":{"company":"ast-science.com","detail":"compact"}},{"tool":"match_people","arguments":{"job_id":1302988},"note":"people open to offers who fit this vacancy"}],"note":"The same data through MCP tools: https://alion.io/mcp/open needs no sign-in (compact searches, postings, people); https://alion.io/mcp with an Alion account has everything. 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