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Associate RF System Integration Engineer

AST SpaceMobile
Midland, USA
Mid
Onsite
Discovered 1 weeks ago
python

Full Job Posting

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.
  • Practical RF experience across common TT&C frequency bands.
  • 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.

Experience

  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with:

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.

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