Field Tester

Field TesterMidland, Texas, United StatesAST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today's five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.Position OverviewWe are seeking a Contract Field Tester specializing in Service Acceptance for satellite broadband and direct-to-device (NTN) services across LEO/MEO constellation deployments. This role ensures that every feature, workflow, and service meets defined entry/exit criteria through rigorous field testing, evidence collection, and structured reporting. The contractor will work closely with Engineering, RF/NTN, Firmware, and Service Delivery teams to deliver complete acceptance validation packages.The Contract Field Tester will execute structured drive tests and static performance validation across varied terrains and blockage conditions, validate NTN behaviors including timing/RTT, beam/satellite transitions, and mobility scenarios, while maintaining complete traceability from acceptance criteria to test evidence and final sign-off deliverables.This contract role operates in demanding field environments supporting critical validation of satellite-cellular network performance for commercial service launch. Success requires deep technical expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while maintaining the highest standards for data quality, safety compliance, and professional deliverable quality in challenging field conditions.Key ResponsibilitiesAcceptance Planning & Criteria ManagementConvert business/service requirements into testable acceptance criteria with clear pass/fail thresholds for throughput, latency, jitter, coverage, attach sequences, mobility, QoS, and application performance validationPrepare Acceptance Test Plans (ATP) and Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPr) mapped to specific KPIs and technical requirements for satellite-cellular integration scenariosIdentify and plan necessary routes, locations, conditions, and environments for comprehensive acceptance testing including rural, urban, maritime, and high-mobility scenariosEstablish test matrices and coverage requirements for LEO/MEO satellite constellation validation across multiple beam coverage areas and handover scenariosField Execution & ValidationDeploy, configure, and align terminals/antennas for fixed, portable, and vehicular test scenarios ensuring optimal satellite acquisition and tracking performanceExecute structured drive tests and static performance tests across varied terrains, weather conditions, and RF environments to validate service acceptance criteriaValidate NTN-specific behaviours including timing/RTT characteristics, beam/satellite transitions, paging optimization, RRC stability, and mobility handover performancePerform comprehensive coverage testing with emphasis on edge-of-beam scenarios, satellite elevation angle variations, and Doppler compensation validationEvidence Collection & Defect ManagementCapture complete evidence sets including RF metrics (SINR/RSRP/RSRQ/MER/CNIR/RSL), IP KPIs (throughput, latency, jitter, packet loss), PCAPs, RRC/PHY/MAC logs, spectrum captures, and synchronized GNSS/KML dataEnsure full traceability of each acceptance criterion to corresponding test case execution and supporting evidence with time-synchronized data collectionRaise high-fidelity defects with complete reproducibility steps, precise timestamps, geo-tagging, RF conditions, and suspected contributing factors for effective resolutionMaintain evidence integrity through secure data handling, proper chain of custody, and comprehensive documentation of test setup configurationsReporting & Stakeholder ManagementPrepare Service Acceptance Reports (SAR) with comprehensive pass/fail matrices, deviation analysis, performance trending, and technical recommendations for service readinessConduct stakeholder review sessions and manage follow-up test cycles, retesting, and validation activities until complete acceptance sign-off is achievedDeliver consolidated Acceptance Packages including ATP/ATPr documentation, execution logs, analysis results, dashboards, findings, and formal approval artifactsProvide real-time field updates and preliminary results to support rapid decision-making during critical acceptance phasesQualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or equivalent field experience4-8+ years of experience in SATCOM, RF engineering, or telecommunications field testing with demonstrated acceptance/UAT focusUnderstanding of LEO/MEO satellite characteristics including Doppler effects, elevation angle variations, beam/satellite transition scenarios, and constellation geometry impactsProven experience with Service Acceptance methodologies, ATP/ATPr development, and formal acceptance reporting processesPreferredExperience with 3GPP Rel-17/18 NTN validation and satellite-cellular integration testing scenariosBackground in maritime, aeronautical, or remote-area satellite communications field testingTechnical certifications in RF Safety, Telecommunications, or ISTQB Foundation testing methodologiesSDR experience (USRP, BladeRF) for RF capture and interference analysis in satellite environmentsSkills & CompetenciesStrong RF testing skills with spectrum analyzers, power meters, signal generators, GNSS loggersHandson with QXDM/QCAT, TEMS/SeeHawk/Accuver and protocol/RF analysis toolsDeep IP networking knowhow: MTU, fragmentation, NAT/CGNAT, QoS/DSCP, DNS/DHCP in satellite pathsAdvanced log/trace analysis (Wireshark, iPerf3, OWAMP/TWAMP) and results visualization (KML/GeoJSON, ArcGIS/QGIS/Google Earth)Excellent structured reporting, statistical interpretation, and acceptance documentationStrong EHS/RF safety mindset, equipment readiness discipline, and secure data handlingKPIs / Success CriteriaAcceptance Coverage: ?95% criteria executed with evidenceData Quality: <2% invalid/missing logsDefect Quality: ?80% reproducibility rateReporting SLA: 48-hour turnaroundFirst-Pass Success: ?85% completion rateSafety: Zero incidents, 100% EHS complianceTools / Standards / MethodsRF: spectrum analyzers, power meters, signal generators, GNSS loggingDrive test: QXDM/QCAT, TEMS, SeeHawk, Accuver XCAL or equivalentNetwork: Wireshark, iPerf3, Speedtest CLI, OWAMP/TWAMPMapping: KML/GeoJSON, ArcGIS, QGIS, Google EarthTest management, defect tracking, and professional reporting tools aligned with company acceptance and QA standardsPhysical RequirementsContract engagement (Time & Materials / Milestone-Based) with project-specific assignmentsExtensive field-based travel requirements (60-80%) across diverse geographic locations including rural, remote, and challenging terrain environmentsFlexibility to work according to satellite pass windows, maintenance schedules, and acceptance timelines including nights/weekends as requiredPhysical capability to handle RF test equipment, perform antenna alignment, and work independently in outdoor environments with varying weather conditionsDeliverablesPrimary Contract DeliverablesAcceptance Test Plans (ATP) and Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPr)Daily field execution summaries with real-time status updatesComplete evidence bundles (logs, traces, PCAP files, RF measurements, GNSS/KML data, setup photographs)KPI performance dashboards and coverage heatmapsComprehensive defect documentation with retest validation outcomesFinal Service Acceptance Reports (SAR) with technical recommendationsComplete Acceptance Packages for formal stakeholder sign-offThis job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed