Harness Manufacturing Engineer – LEO Satellite Applications
AST SpaceMobileMidland, Texas, United States · Posted 11 months agoDescription
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.
Similar jobs
Est. 115,000 USD
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…
Est. 95,000 USD
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…
Est. 95,000 USD
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…
Est. 108,750 USD
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this poss…
Est. 115,000 USD
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…
Est. 95,000 USD
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…
Est. 63,000 USD
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…
Est. 108,750 USD
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this poss…
Est. 95,000 USD
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…
Est. 76,000 USD
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this poss…
Est. 95,000 USD
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…
Est. 125,000 USD
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…
Est. 108,750 USD
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this poss…
Est. 35,500 USD
JOB TITLE: Mechanical/Application Engineer DEPARTMENT: EngineeringSUPERVISOR: Engineering Manager Pay Range: $26.00 - $45.00 About Us ICS is a manufacturer of custom cables, harnesses, electro-mechanical assemblies, and…
Est. 85,000 USD
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…
Est. 95,000 USD
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…
Est. 115,000 USD
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…
Est. 145,000 USD
Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it. OUR MISSION True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autono…
Est. 162,500 USD
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America an…
Est. 205,000 USD
Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it. OUR MISSION True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autono…
Est. 155,000 USD
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this poss…
Est. 140,000 USD
K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Alt…
Est. 134,000 USD
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…
Est. 144,000 USD
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…
Est. 85,000 USD
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…
Est. 65,000 USD
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…
Est. 54,000 USD
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this poss…
Est. 95,000 USD
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…
Est. 57,600 USD
K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Alt…
Est. 85,000 USD
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…