Materials Engineer

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 Overview

Materials Engineer will perform material selection, qualification, testing and analysis of composite materials used in satellite structures, supporting material and design qualification for space applications. This role executes thermal, mechanical, and microstructural testing, interprets and cross-correlates results to assess material integrity, and documents findings that support qualification of flight hardware materials.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute mechanical, thermal, and microstructural testing of composite materials and structural components specific to satellite hardware.
• Operate and interpret data from DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis), UTM (Universal Testing Machine), surface energy analyzer, optical microscopy, profilometry and other composite and polymer testing.
• Cross-correlate results across test methods to assess material integrity, performance, and failure behavior.
• Perform statistical analysis of test data, including B-basis allowable development, and apply design of experiments to test planning.
• Support material and design qualification campaigns for space applications, from coupon-level testing through structural component validation.
• Design and oversee qualification procedures for composite materials and structures, including test plans, acceptance criteria, and execution against space program requirements.
• Document findings in test reports, data packages, and qualification records that support material qualification and program milestones.
• Partner with Design, Structures, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to translate test results into material selection and design decisions.

Qualifications

 Education:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• 0–3 years in materials testing, composites, or structural test engineering within aerospace or manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on composite lab and testing experience, including specimen preparation, fixturing, and test execution.
• Experience with space materials, ideally in aerospace or space structural applications.