AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly hands-on RF Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) Engineer to execute, integrate, test, and debug flight RF hardware supporting a fast-paced LEO satellite program at AST SpaceMobile.
This is a hardware-centric execution role. The selected candidate will personally build, integrate, verify, troubleshoot, and support RF systems from bench validation through launch operations. You will partner directly with TT&C and GPS design leads who own system architecture and requirements, translating released designs into robust, flight-ready hardware.
This is not a documentation or coordination position — it is a build, test, and fix role.
Key Responsibilities
RF Assembly, Integration & Test Execution
- Execute integration and verification testing for TT&C and GPS flight hardware.
- Own hands-on integration and test of:
- Flight radios and transceivers
- Flight antennas
- RF harnessing and coaxial assemblies
- AIT RF racks and ground support equipment (GSE)
- Work directly from released schematics, ICDs, and mechanical interfaces.
- Verify RF performance margins, interface integrity, and system compliance through empirical hardware testing and data analysis.
Hands-On Manufacturing & Build Support
- Personally drive RF hardware build, inspection, integration, and rework activities.
- Fabricate, inspect, and validate:
- Coaxial cable assemblies
- Connector terminations (SMA, TNC, N-type, etc.)
- Harness routing, clamping, torque application, and strain relief implementation
- Maintain active presence on the manufacturing floor during hardware builds.
- Partner with manufacturing engineers and technicians to ensure workmanship standards.
- Identify and arrest integration escapes, workmanship defects, and latent hardware risks before propagation.
AIT, Test, Debug & Automation
- Design, assemble, and sustain AIT RF racks and associated test infrastructure.
- Execute and continuously improve:
- RF functional testing
- End-to-end TT&C and navigation test configurations
- Return loss, insertion loss, isolation, power output, and sensitivity measurements
- Develop and maintain RF test automation:
- Automate repetitive RF test sequences and structured data capture
- Improve repeatability, throughput, and configuration traceability
- Support environmental and system-level testing including:
- Thermal vacuum (TVAC)
- Vibration
- Thermal cycling
- Spacecraft integrated testing
- Own RF anomaly resolution:
- Debug harness, connector, and integration defects
- Identify workmanship-induced damage
- Isolate EMI/RFI coupling issues under schedule pressure
- When hardware fails during test, personally execute root cause isolation and corrective rework.
Acceptance, Readiness & Launch Support
- Execute formal acceptance testing per released procedures and qualification requirements.
- Review test data packages, close discrepancy reports, and verify flight readiness.
- Support launch site operations, including last-minute RF troubleshooting and configuration validation.
What Winning Looks Like
- RF hardware integrates cleanly and predictably in AIT.
- Issues are identified early, debugged efficiently, and closed with permanent corrective action.
- RF systems perform consistently from bench validation → environmental test → launch → orbit.
- You can point to the spacecraft and confidently state: “I built and tested that system.”
Qualifications
Education
- BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated hands-on RF experience.
Experience
- Strong practical RF experience across common TT&C frequency bands.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with:
- RF assemblies and coax harness fabrication
- Antennas and RF subsystems
- RF test equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, power meters, signal generators)
- Experience supporting AIT, environmental test campaigns, and production manufacturing.
- Comfortable operating in cleanroom, laboratory, and factory environments.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot and close hardware issues under aggressive timelines.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct LEO satellite RF or TT&C integration experience.
- Launch base or on-orbit support exposure.
- Experience supporting multiple flight vehicles in parallel.
- Background developing automated RF test frameworks and data systems.
Soft Skills
- High ownership mentality with strong bias toward execution.
- Detail-oriented while maintaining schedule awareness.
- Pragmatic decision-making in ambiguous or data-limited environments.
- Collaborative across design, manufacturing, and test organizations.
- Calm and methodical under hardware anomaly pressure.
Technology Stack
- Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)
- Spectrum Analyzers
- RF Signal Generators
- Power Meters
- RF Switching Matrices
- Automated Test Software (Python, LabVIEW, or equivalent)
- Standard AIT data logging and configuration management tools
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work extended periods in cleanroom and lab environments.
- Frequent hands-on bench work requiring fine motor skills.
- Ability to lift and maneuver test equipment and RF racks (up to 40 lbs).
- Willingness to travel to launch sites as required.
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.