Principal Systems Engineer Verified today

About the Role

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. You will serve as the primary technical interface to launch vehicle providers and AST's technical authority at launch site through spacecraft processing, integration, encapsulation, and launch operations.

Based near Cape Canaveral, FL with remote work flexibility, you will own launch vehicle interface definition, coordinate integration of our spacecraft with multiple launch vehicles, and make real-time technical decisions in the field.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical interface between AST and launch vehicle providers in interchange meetings, working groups, and mission integration reviews
• Serve as AST's technical authority at launch site for spacecraft processing, integration, encapsulation, and launch operations
• Own, negotiate, and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and interface requirements between spacecraft and launch vehicles, managing changes through formal configuration control
• Lead launch vehicle compatibility analyses, including mass properties, structural loads, coupled loads analysis, environments, thermal, RF, electrical, and separation and deployment
• Define and track launch-related requirements, verification plans, and mission assurance deliverables; ensure launch vehicle requirements flow into spacecraft and ground design
• Support launch vehicle provider evaluation and selection, including technical assessments and trade studies
• Lead technical launch readiness reviews and provide go/no-go technical recommendations to AST leadership

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field

Experience: Minimum 8 years of aerospace systems engineering experience, with at least 3 years in launch vehicle integration, launch vehicle interface management, or launch site operations on at least one spacecraft or payload that has flown

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multiple launch vehicles or launch providers
• Experience serving as launch site or campaign technical lead for a spacecraft or large constellation
• Familiarity with range safety processes and requirements (e.g. SSCMAN 91-710) and launch site facilities at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center

Required Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to lead and influence launch providers, range and facility personnel, and internal teams without direct authority
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to brief technical and executive audiences and negotiate technical positions with external partners
• Sound judgment and composure making technical decisions under schedule pressure and during launch campaigns
• Comfort operating in ambiguity, able to define the path forward when requirements are incomplete or interfaces are still maturing
• Meticulous attention to detail in ICDs, verification records, and launch documentation
• Ability to manage multiple providers and competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-moving environment
• Self-motivated and effective working independently in a remote setting, taking ownership and driving issues to closure