AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.

Position Overview

We are seeking a capable and energetic Environmental Test Engineer to validate our satellite’s ability to survive the harsh conditions of launch and Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In this role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of critical test campaigns. You will work closely with systems, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams to ensure mission readiness. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and demonstrates strong ownership over their work, making a direct impact on the success of our rapidly growing business.

This position is assigned to Shift 3- Weekends: Friday–Sunday, 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (3x12s) 20% pay premium

Depending on business needs, this role may also have opportunities on:

Shift 1- Days: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (4x10s).
Shift 2-Nights: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 p.m.–4:00 a.m. (4x10s) 10% pay premium.

Shift 4- Weekend Nights: Friday- Sunday 6:00 pm – 6:00 am (3x12s) 25% pay premium

Key Responsibilities

Perform Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and shock testing on components, subsystems, and fully assembled satellites.
Coordinate logistics and scheduling with internal engineering teams and external test facilities.
Work with and oversee environmental test vendors during off-site testing campaigns.
Support test article instrumentation (e.g., thermocouples, accelerometers, strain gauges) and data acquisition system setup.
Analyze test data, interpret results, and provide actionable feedback to design and manufacturing groups.
Own, operate, and maintain internal environmental test infrastructure, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
Lead root cause analysis and drive the resolution of test anomalies and failures.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of test processes, procedures, and documentation.
Serve as the subject-matter expert on environmental test equipment and methodologies.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience

A minimum of 3 years of direct, hands-on experience in environmental testing of aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability systems.
Working knowledge of relevant environmental test standards (e.g., NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-810).
Demonstrated proficiency with TVAC chambers and vibration tables (sine/random).
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and technical specifications.
Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Hands-on experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Direct experience with environmental testing of satellites or spacecraft.
In-depth knowledge of aerospace materials and their behavior in vacuum, thermal, and vibrational environments.

Soft Skills

A proactive and accountable approach to managing projects from planning to completion.
The ability to thrive and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic R&D and manufacturing environment.
Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and external vendors.
A methodical and analytical mindset for troubleshooting complex test anomalies.
Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills for reporting results and documenting processes.

Technology Stack

NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-810
TVAC Chambers, Electrodynamic Shakers (Vibration Tables), Shock Test Systems, Data Acquisition (DAQ) Hardware
Accelerometers, Thermocouples, Strain Gauges, Force Sensors
Data Analysis Software (e.g., MATLAB, Python - NumPy/SciPy), DAQ Control Software (e.g., LabVIEW, Dewesoft, m+p Analyzer)

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a lab environment.