About the role

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.

Position Summary

The Harness Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting the production of electrical harnesses and cable assemblies for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite platforms. This role ensures harnesses are designed, manufactured, and tested to meet aerospace standards and mission requirements, while improving quality, repeatability, and production efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Engineering Support:

Develop and maintain harness assembly processes, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation (routers, travelers, and assembly drawings).
Support design-to-production handoffs by reviewing harness design schematics and layouts for manufacturability and reliability.
Define and select tooling, equipment, and materials required for harness production.
Drive improvements in harness routing, termination, and installation practices.

Production Oversight:

Provide on-the-floor support to manufacturing technicians during harness assembly, integration, and troubleshooting.
Establish and optimize assembly sequences and jigs to ensure repeatable, high-quality harness fabrication.
Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions for nonconformances.

Testing and Quality Assurance:

Develop and implement testing protocols using automated harness testers (e.g., CIRRIS or similar systems).
Ensure all assemblies comply with IPC/WHMA-A-620 and NASA/ESA workmanship standards.
Review and approve first article inspections (FAIs) and ensure compliance with aerospace quality requirements.

Process Improvement & Documentation:

Lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase production efficiency and reduce cost.
Maintain configuration management of harness designs, tooling, and process documentation.
Collaborate with design engineers, quality teams, and supply chain to ensure smooth production flow.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; or equivalent technical experience.
3+ years of experience in harness or cable assembly manufacturing for aerospace, defense, or satellite applications.
Strong understanding of harness design principles, electrical schematics, and 3D CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, Creo, SolidWorks).
Familiarity with industry standards: IPC/WHMA-A-620, ECSS-Q-ST-70, NASA-STD-8739.4.
Hands-on experience with crimping, soldering, wire dressing, and connectorization.
Experience with automated harness testers (CIRRIS, DIT-MCO, etc.).
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced, high-reliability production environment.

Preferred Skills

Experience in satellite or spacecraft harness design and integration.
Knowledge of harness routing and design in 3D modeling software.
Understanding of aerospace material selection (wires, connectors, backshells, shielding, and sleeving).
Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.

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.

Skills & Tags

go ai mobile product design

Aplyr's read

AST SpaceMobile is pioneering satellite technology with a focus on connecting the unconnected, attracting engineers and technicians dedicated to innovation in space communications.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•AST SpaceMobile aims to provide global mobile coverage through satellite technology.
•The company is involved in cutting-edge satellite communications, promising significant industry impact.
•Recent hiring in engineering and technical roles suggests growth and development in their projects.

What to watch

•The space industry is highly competitive, posing significant challenges for AST SpaceMobile.
•Frequent shift work and relocations may affect work-life balance for employees.
•Achieving global satellite coverage is technologically complex and financially demanding.

Why AST SpaceMobile

•AST SpaceMobile focuses on bridging the digital divide with satellite-based mobile broadband.
•The company is developing the first space-based cellular broadband network.
•AST SpaceMobile's mission is to connect remote areas lacking traditional communication infrastructure.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?