1st Shift Structural Technician Lead (El Paso, TX → Midland, TX)

Build Satellites. Apply in El Paso. Launch Your Career in Midland.

Have you worked in manufacturing, automotive, or mechanical assembly and want to take that skillset into something bigger? This is it. You’ll be building satellites and they don't get bigger than ours. If you have hands-on experience in manufacturing, automotive, or mechanical assembly, and are ready to apply those skills to something bigger, this is your opportunity. You’ll be contributing to the build of real satellite hardware, supporting one of the most advanced space manufacturing programs in the country.

This position is based in our satellite production facility in Midland, TX, with full relocation provided (details below).

Position Overview

We are seeking a Structural Technician, Lead to oversee a team responsible for assembling satellite structural components in a manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on leadership role—you're not just directing work, you're in it. You’ll combine technical skill, team leadership, and production ownership to drive quality and output. This role sits within the Control Sat (CSAT) Structures Group, responsible for the assembly and maintenance of primary satellite structures. Candidates should have strong experience working with composite and metallic structures in a precision environment.

Compensation & Schedule

• Pay: DOE based on experience, with overtime opportunities. Higher-level roles are available for more experienced candidates at increased pay.
• Schedule: Standard shift is Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (4x10) with paid lunch and breaks.
• Flexibility: Night and weekend shifts with increased pay are also available depending on experience and team needs.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead small teams of technicians while actively participating in structural assembly work
• Assign and prioritize work based on production needs and team capability
• Interpret and apply blueprints, engineering drawings, and work instructions
• Lead rework efforts (MRO) based on engineering dispositions and non-conformance documentation
• Assemble, drill, and fasten aluminum and composite components to spec
• Ensure adherence to approved processes, documentation, and quality standards
• Utilize tools such as calipers, palm drills, die grinders, rivet guns, and torque tools
• Use jigs, fixtures, and tooling for precision assembly
• Report progress, issues, and production status to leadership
• Coach and develop technicians to meet quality and production targets
• Coordinate with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve issues
• Assist in training new team members
• Act as the bridge between the floor and leadership
• Ensure compliance with safety and company policies
• Support additional production needs as required

Tools & Environment

• Hand tools: drills, rivet guns, grinders, ratchets, calipers, etc.
• Assembly equipment: jigs, fixtures, clecos, drill guides
• Fasteners: Hi-Loks, rivets, bolts, inserts
• Composite handling: surface prep, drilling, adhesives
• Systems: MES, ERP, digital work instructions

What You Bring

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training or degree preferred
• Minimum 1+ year in aerospace, manufacturing, or mechanical assembly
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced production environment
• Strong communication and team coordination skills
• Calm, solution-focused mindset under pressure
• High attention to detail and accountability
• Organized, reliable, and consistent
• Ability to build trust and drive team performance 

Preferred:

• Experience leading or supervising technicians
• Background in MRO / rework environments
• Ability to assign work and communicate clearly
• Strong problem-solving and team leadership skills
• Experience working cross-functionally with engineering and quality 

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to perform repetitive and precision tasks.
• Ability to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as required to perform job duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including talking and hearing.
• Ability to work in, on, around, and in proximity to large structures, equipment, and tooling.
• Ability to lift, push, and/or carry items up to 40 pounds as required.
• Ability to work near moving mechanical parts and equipment.
• Ability to work in and around tight or confined spaces.
• Ability to work in environments that may include exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and/or hazardous materials (e.g., carbon fiber).

Benefits: (Eligibility dependent)

• Medical, dental, vision
• 401(k) (pre-tax & Roth)
• Life insurance, disability coverage
• HSA, transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• PTO / sick leave

Relocation Support (If You Accept)

• Up to $5,000 in temporary housing (first 3 months)
• $1,050/month stipend to support living arrangements after 1st working month on an ongoing basis

If you are open to relocating to Midland, this can be a career changing, and life changing, move into the high-tech aerospace world offering a new skill set and job security in a very similar environment that will soon feel like home. We encourage you to apply to learn more about AST SpaceMobile and what Midland has to offer.

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.