AST SpaceMobile · 1 month ago
Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer
Homestead, Florida, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Mid LevelAST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. They are seeking a highly skilled Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer to support the design, assembly, integration, and testing of electric propulsion thrusters for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite applications.
Information TechnologySatellite CommunicationTelecommunications
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain manufacturing processes for electric propulsion thrusters and subsystems, including assembly, bonding, welding, and integration
Support production line setup, tooling design, and workflow optimization to improve yield, cycle time, and throughput
Collaborate with design engineers to ensure manufacturability of propulsion system components and assemblies
Define and implement quality control procedures including ESD protection, contamination control, vacuum compatibility, and leak testing
Support the assembly, integration, and verification (AIV) of propulsion modules, including electrical connections, harness routing, and fluid/electrical interfaces
Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to plasma thrusters, ion engines, Hall-effect thrusters, and PPU integration
Conduct DFM/DFX reviews to enhance reliability and manufacturability
Develop detailed work instructions, assembly documentation, and test procedures for technicians and operators
Participate in qualification and acceptance testing, including vibration, thermal vacuum (TVAC), and functional testing of thruster subsystems
Drive continuous improvement initiatives for cost reduction, process automation, and scalability for satellite constellations
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
Hands-on experience with electric propulsion systems (Hall thrusters, ion thrusters, or similar plasma propulsion technologies)
Familiarity with vacuum chamber operations, leak detection methods, and contamination control
Experience with satellite manufacturing standards (ECSS, NASA, IPC, or equivalent)
Strong knowledge of electrical integration, power processing units (PPUs), and harnessing in propulsion systems
Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, or similar) for design-for-manufacturing activities
Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as precision machining, brazing, welding, additive manufacturing, and surface treatments
Strong problem-solving, documentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills
Experience in cleanroom and ESD-controlled environments is highly desirable
Preferred
Previous experience in LEO satellite propulsion integration
Familiarity with thruster lifetime testing and endurance campaigns
Understanding of propellant systems (Xenon, Krypton, or alternative propellants)
Knowledge of automation and digital manufacturing tools
Company
AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile is a space-based broadband cellular network company for unmodified mobile devices.
Founded in 2017
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
AST SpaceMobile has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (8)
2023 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$3.92BKey Investors
Trinity CapitalAtlas Credit Partners
2025-10-22Post Ipo Equity· $157.22M
2025-10-21Post Ipo Debt· $1.15B
2025-10-07Post Ipo Equity· $800M
Leadership Team
Shanti Gupta
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Andrew Johnson
Member Board of Directors
Recent News
2026-01-13
The Motley Fool
2026-01-12
Company data provided by crunchbase