Manager, Rigging & Lifting Operations- Western, TX

About the role

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Manager, Rigging & Lifting Operations to join AST SpaceMobile in Western, Texas through 100% onsite work. The Manager, Rigging & Lifting Operations will lead all critical rigging and lifting activities within a high-tech aerospace manufacturing environment, ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant movement of sensitive and high-value equipment while managing supervisors across multiple shifts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all rigging, lifting, crane, and material handling operations across the facility
• Develop, implement, and enforce standard operating procedures, lift plans, and critical lift requirements
• Review and approve rigging configurations, equipment setups, risk assessments, and safety controls for complex lifting activities
• Manage and mentor three Rigging Supervisors while supporting workforce planning, scheduling, and performance management across all shifts
• Deliver and coordinate training programs focused on rigging safety, lifting techniques, equipment operation, and regulatory compliance
• Maintain certification records and ensure personnel competency requirements are current and documented
• Oversee inspection, maintenance, and readiness of cranes, hoists, rigging gear, and lifting equipment
• Partner with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Operations teams to support manufacturing objectives and project schedules
• Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts related to lifting operations
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NCCCO, ASME, LOTO, and company safety standards while supporting internal and external audits

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of experience in rigging, lifting, crane operations, heavy lift planning, or material handling operations
• Previous supervisory or management experience leading teams in industrial, manufacturing, aerospace, construction, oil & gas, or heavy industrial environments
• Experience executing critical lifts involving sensitive, oversized, or high-value equipment
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations, ASME standards, lift planning methodologies, and rigging best practices
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, schematics, engineering documentation, lift plans, risk assessments, and 3D models
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite and digital planning, asset management, or maintenance tracking systems
• NCCCO Certified Rigger (CR) preferred
• Signalperson and/or Lift Director certifications preferred
• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Formal rigging, crane, or lifting operations training strongly preferred

Compensation

• Salary Range: $85,000-$120,000 depending on experience + RSUs
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, RSUs, PTO (unlimited), Sick Leave as required by law, etc
• Relocation assistance/bonus ($10K) + temporary housing assistance ($2,500 x 2 months), monthly stipend ($1,050/month)
• Location: 100% Onsite – Western, TX