Manager, Rigging & Lifting Operations- Western, TX

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

Comprehensive Keywords: Rigging Operations, Lifting Operations, Critical Lifts, Heavy Lift Planning, Crane Operations, Material Handling, Lift Director, Signalperson, NCCCO, Certified Rigger, Industrial Manufacturing, Aerospace Manufacturing, Production Operations, OSHA Compliance, ASME Standards, LOTO, Lockout Tagout, Safety Management, Lift Planning, Risk Assessments, Root Cause Analysis, Continuous Improvement, Preventive Maintenance, Equipment Inspections, Crane Safety, Rigging Equipment, Overhead Cranes, Hoists, Load Handling, Manufacturing Operations, Operations Management, Team Leadership, Shift Management, Workforce Planning, Technical Training, Regulatory Compliance, Process Improvement, Facility Operations, Engineering Support, Maintenance Coordination, Quality Assurance, Asset Management, 3D Models, Blueprints, Schematics, Production Support, High-Value Equipment Handling, Industrial Safety, Operational Excellence, Aerospace Operations, Construction Rigging, Oil & Gas Operations, Heavy Industrial Operations.