Tooling Engineer
About the role
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
We are seeking a talented Tooling Engineer to join our satellite Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) team, responsible for the design, fabrication, and validation of tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment used in spacecraft assembly, integration, and test.** **
Key Responsibilities
- Design and modeling of tooling, fixtures, jigs, and GSE used in spacecraft assembly, integration, and test. Prepare preliminary designs with layouts, sketches, testing requirements, materials, processes, and tools, and define interfaces with other mechanical subsystems.
- Develop and maintain manufacturing drawings and interface control drawings for tooling and fixtures used to handle, transport, and protect flight hardware during assembly, integration, and test.
- Provide technical support to AIT activities including fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of tooling and ground support equipment.
- Responsible for the design and capability of tooling and fixtures to meet program technical requirements.
- Support structural decisions and engineering trade-offs to identify the best tooling architectures and design approaches.
****Education
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field
****Experience
- A minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience designing tooling, fixtures, or ground support equipment for spacecraft or aerospace manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test.
****Preferred Qualifications
- Higher degree is preferred
- Experience using PDM and PLM software is preferred
- Direct experience designing tooling and fixtures for AIT activities
- Design of large welded steel tooling and fixture assemblies
- Knowledge in GD&T is a plus
- Technical skills in FEM computer methods using standard analytical tools and classical structural analysis methods is a plus
****Soft Skills
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team with other engineers
- Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment
- Fluent English written and verbal communication skills
****Technology Stack
- CAD software (Inventor is preferred)
****Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods
- Ability to perform light assembly work and lift items up to 50 lbs
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.
Copied from the listing AST SpaceMobile published, verified 29 Oct 2026.
The application
Your details and CV, then 8 questions.
- 1.Are you at least 18 years of age?Yes or no
- 2.Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer?Yes or no
- 3.Will you now or in the future require employment visa sponsorship?Yes or no
- 4.Do you meet the language requirements for this position (fluent in written and verbal English)?Yes or no
- 5.Do you live near or open to relocation to Midland/Odessa, TX?Yes or no
- 6.What are your salary expectations?Short answer
- 7.Earliest Start DateShort answer
- 8.I certify that the facts set forth in this Application for Employment are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that if I am employed, false statements, omissions or misrepresentations may result in my dismissal.Yes or no
Taken from the application form AST SpaceMobile runs, verified 29 Oct 2026.
About AST SpaceMobile
BlueBird satellites with broadband directly to standard smartphones.
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