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Associate RF System Integration Engineer Verified today

AST SpaceMobile · Midland, TX · RF & Comms · first seen 2026-09-26
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Position Overview

AST SpaceMobile is building the first global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard mobile devices. We are seeking an Associate RF Assembly, Integration, and Test Engineer to execute, integrate, test, and debug flight RF hardware for our LEO satellite program.

This is a hardware-centric execution role. You 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, 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 and Test Execution

  • Execute integration and verification testing for TT&C and GPS flight hardware
  • Own hands-on integration and test of flight radios, transceivers, antennas, RF harnessing, coaxial assemblies, and AIT RF racks
  • 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 and 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), and harness routing with proper clamping, torque, and strain relief
  • 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 and Automation

  • Design, assemble, and sustain AIT RF racks and associated test infrastructure
  • Execute RF functional testing, end-to-end TT&C and navigation test configurations, and RF measurements including return loss, insertion loss, isolation, power output, and sensitivity
  • Develop and maintain RF test automation to improve repeatability, throughput, and configuration traceability
  • Support environmental and system-level testing including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, thermal cycling, and 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 and 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

Qualifications

Education

  • BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated hands-on RF experience

Experience

  • Practical RF experience across common TT&C frequency bands
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with RF assemblies, coax harness fabrication, antennas, and RF subsystems
  • Experience with 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

Technical Skills

  • 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

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

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