Associate RF System Integration Engineer

AST 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 highly hands-on Associate RF Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) Engineer to execute, integrate, test, and debug flight RF hardware supporting a fast-paced LEO satellite program at AST SpaceMobile.This is a hardware-centric execution role. The selected candidate will personally build, integrate, verify, troubleshoot, and support RF systems from bench validation through launch operations. You will partner directly with TT&C and GPS design leads who own system architecture and requirements, translating released designs into robust, flight-ready hardware.This is not a documentation or coordination position — it is a build, test, and fix role.Key ResponsibilitiesRF Assembly, Integration & Test ExecutionExecute integration and verification testing for TT&C and GPS flight hardware.Own hands-on integration and test of:Flight radios and transceiversFlight antennasRF harnessing and coaxial assembliesAIT RF racks and ground support equipment (GSE)Work directly from released schematics, ICDs, and mechanical interfaces.Verify RF performance margins, interface integrity, and system compliance through empirical hardware testing and data analysis.Hands-On Manufacturing & Build SupportPersonally drive RF hardware build, inspection, integration, and rework activities.Fabricate, inspect, and validate:Coaxial cable assembliesConnector terminations (SMA, TNC, N-type, etc.)Harness routing, clamping, torque application, and strain relief implementationMaintain 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 & AutomationDesign, assemble, and sustain AIT RF racks and associated test infrastructure.Execute and continuously improve:RF functional testingEnd-to-end TT&C and navigation test configurationsReturn loss, insertion loss, isolation, power output, and sensitivity measurementsDevelop and maintain RF test automation:Automate repetitive RF test sequences and structured data captureImprove repeatability, throughput, and configuration traceabilitySupport environmental and system-level testing including:Thermal vacuum (TVAC)VibrationThermal cyclingSpacecraft integrated testingOwn RF anomaly resolution:Debug harness, connector, and integration defectsIdentify workmanship-induced damageIsolate EMI/RFI coupling issues under schedule pressureWhen hardware fails during test, personally execute root cause isolation and corrective rework.Acceptance, Readiness & Launch SupportExecute 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.What Winning Looks LikeRF hardware integrates cleanly and predictably in AIT.Issues are identified early, debugged efficiently, and closed with permanent corrective action.RF systems perform consistently from bench validation environmental test launch orbit.You can point to the spacecraft and confidently state: “I built and tested that system.”QualificationsEducationBS or MS in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated hands-on RF experience.ExperiencePractical RF experience across common TT&C frequency bands.Demonstrated hands-on experience with:RF assemblies and coax harness fabricationAntennas and RF subsystemsRF 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 QualificationsDirect 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 SkillsHigh 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 StackVector Network Analyzers (VNA)Spectrum AnalyzersRF Signal GeneratorsPower MetersRF Switching MatricesAutomated Test Software (Python, LabVIEW, or equivalent)Standard AIT data logging and configuration management toolsPhysical RequirementsAbility 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.AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.