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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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About SpaceMobile

AST SpaceMobile is building the first space-based cellular broadband network accessible by standard smartphones, delivering 4G/5G connectivity globally via LEO satellites.

The Role

This is a hardware-centric execution position. You will personally build, integrate, verify, troubleshoot, and support RF systems for TT&C and GPS flight hardware. You will translate released designs into robust, flight-ready hardware by working directly with design leads on system architecture and requirements. This is a build, test, and fix role, not documentation or coordination.

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, and AIT RF racks and ground support equipment
  • Work directly from released schematics, ICDs, and mechanical interfaces
  • Verify RF performance margins, interface integrity, and system compliance through empirical 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), harness routing, clamping, torque application, 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 & Automation

  • Design, assemble, and sustain AIT RF racks and associated test infrastructure
  • Execute and improve RF functional testing, end-to-end TT&C and navigation test configurations, and return loss, insertion loss, isolation, power output, and sensitivity measurements
  • Develop and maintain RF test automation to automate repetitive test sequences, improve repeatability and throughput, and enhance 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 & 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 and coax harness fabrication, antennas and RF subsystems, and 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