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Radiation Assurance Engineer Verified today

AST SpaceMobile · Barcelona, Spain · Electronics · first seen 2026-10-31
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About the role

AST SpaceMobile is building the first space-based cellular broadband network accessible by standard smartphones. We are seeking a Radiation Assurance Engineer to assess the suitability of electronic components and subsystems for operation in orbit. You will analyze parts and systems, design radiation test hardware, execute test campaigns, and provide technical assessments on component performance in space environments. This is a hands-on, laboratory-focused role within fast-paced engineering projects.

Key responsibilities

  • Analyze electronic components and subsystems, including datasheets, functional architectures, and operating modes, to define radiation assessment strategies and testing requirements.
  • Design schematics, PCB layouts, test boards, fixtures, and daughterboards to evaluate devices under representative operating conditions.
  • Build, integrate, troubleshoot, and validate electronic test setups, including power, signal generation, biasing, loading, and data acquisition systems.
  • Operate laboratory instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads, multimeters, source-measure units, and data loggers.
  • Develop and maintain test automation, control, and monitoring scripts using Python and LabVIEW.
  • Support and execute radiation test campaigns at external irradiation facilities, including setup, installation, operation, troubleshooting, and data collection.
  • Analyze radiation test results, assess device degradation and failure mechanisms, and evaluate performance against mission requirements.
  • Prepare detailed test plans, procedures, technical reports, and radiation assurance assessments.
  • Collaborate with hardware, systems, and mission engineering teams to support design decisions and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment, test hardware inventory, and technical documentation to enable efficient project execution and reuse of test setups.

Education and experience

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline. A minimum of 1-4 years of hands-on experience in electronics hardware design, testing, or a related engineering field. Relevant internships, research projects, and academic experience may be considered for junior candidates.

Preferred qualifications

  • Master's degree in Electronics Engineering, Space Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Knowledge of radiation effects on electronics, including Total Ionizing Dose (TID), Single Event Effects (SEE), and Displacement Damage Dose (DDD).
  • Familiarity with industry radiation test standards such as ESCC 22900, ESCC 25100, MIL-STD-883 TM1019/TM1017, and JESD57/JESD89.
  • Experience supporting radiation test campaigns, EEE component engineering, or space-qualified hardware programs.
  • Proficiency in Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar tools for test automation and data analysis.
  • Experience with instrument control protocols such as SCPI and VISA.
  • Familiarity with FPGA or microcontroller firmware development for hardware monitoring and test execution.
  • Knowledge of COTS component qualification, derating practices, and reliability analysis for space applications.

Technical skills

Altium Designer, KiCad, Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, SCPI and VISA instrument control tools, oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads, digital multimeters, source-measure units, data loggers, PCB design and schematic capture tools, FPGA and microcontroller development environments.

Physical requirements

  • Ability to work in a standard office and electronics laboratory environment.
  • Ability to use computers, laboratory equipment, and testing instrumentation for extended periods.
  • Ability to assemble, solder, rework, and test prototype electronic hardware.
  • Ability to transport, set up, and operate test equipment at customer and external radiation testing facilities.
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required for radiation test campaigns.
  • Ability to work occasional night shifts during test campaigns when required.
  • Ability to comply with controlled-access facility procedures and radiation safety requirements.