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Product Manager – Spacecraft Systems (LEO Satellites)

AST SpaceMobile, Midland, TX, United States


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
We are seeking an execution-driven Technical Product Manager to own the end-to-end delivery of complex electrical and mechanical subsystems for our LEO satellite platform. This is not a traditional product management role—it is built for operators who thrive in ambiguity, move with urgency, and close gaps across engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering and operations, with direct responsibility for driving purchase orders, managing suppliers, tracking hardware builds, and ensuring on-time subsystem delivery in a high-intensity startup environment.

Key Responsibilities
Program Execution & Ownership

Own delivery of critical spacecraft subsystems (structures, power electronics, harnessing, propulsion, etc.)

Translate high-level program goals into aggressive daily and weekly execution plans

Drive sprint planning, stand-ups, and execution tracking across engineering and supply chain

Identify risks early and aggressively push for resolution

Supply Chain & Vendor Management

Generate, track, and manage Purchase Orders (POs) end-to-end

Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers for electrical and mechanical components

Maintain frequent communication with vendors to monitor build progress

Hold suppliers accountable to schedule, cost, and quality targets

Travel to supplier sites as needed to resolve issues

Cross-Functional Coordination

Serve as the connective layer between electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test teams

Ensure designs translate into manufacturable, deliverable hardware

Align engineering timelines with procurement and supply chain realities

Support integration and test readiness, including system-level builds

Hardware Build Tracking

Track progress of complex assemblies across vendors and internal teams

Maintain real-time visibility into part shortages, delays, and risks

Drive fast decision-making in constrained or ambiguous situations

Qualifications
Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering

Experience

3–8 years of experience in hardware development, supply chain, or technical program/product management

Experience working with complex electrical and/or mechanical systems (aerospace, automotive, robotics, energy, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in LEO satellite or aerospace hardware development

Familiarity with power systems, harnessing, PCBs, structures, or propulsion

Experience in a startup or high-growth environment

Hands-on engineering experience (building, testing, or debugging hardware)

Soft Skills

Relentless execution mindset with strong follow-through

High sense of urgency and ability to operate on aggressive timelines

Technically fluent with the ability to challenge engineers and suppliers

Low ego with high ownership; willing to step in wherever needed

Comfortable operating in ambiguity and rapid change

Strong communicator—clear, direct, and persistent

Technology Stack

Engineering drawings and BOM management tools

Hardware development lifecycle tools and systems

Supply chain and procurement systems (PO management)

Cross-functional planning and execution tracking tools

Physical Requirements

Ability to travel to supplier sites as needed

Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments

Capability to support extended hours in a fast-paced, high-demand setting

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.

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