RF System Integration Engineer

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 highly hands-on 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 Responsibilities RF Assembly, Integration & Test Execution - Execute integration and verification testing for TT&C and GPS flight hardware. - Own hands-on integration and test of: - Flight radios and transceivers - Flight antennas - RF harnessing and coaxial assemblies - AIT 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 Support - Personally drive RF hardware build, inspection, integration, and rework activities. - Fabricate, inspect, and validate: - Coaxial cable assemblies - Connector terminations (SMA, TNC, N-type, etc.) - Harness routing, clamping, torque application, and strain relief implementation - Maintain 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 & Automation - Design, assemble, and sustain AIT RF racks and associated test infrastructure. - Execute and continuously improve: - RF functional testing - End-to-end TT&C and navigation test configurations - Return loss, insertion loss, isolation, power output, and sensitivity measurements - Develop and maintain RF test automation: - Automate repetitive RF test sequences and structured data capture - Improve repeatability, throughput, and configuration traceability - Support environmental and system-level testing including: - Thermal vacuum (TVAC) - Vibration - Thermal cycling - Spacecraft integrated testing - Own RF anomaly resolution: - Debug harness, connector, and integration defects - Identify workmanship-induced damage - Isolate EMI/RFI coupling issues under schedule pressure - When hardware fails during test, personally execute root cause isolation and corrective rework. Acceptance, Readiness & Launch Support - Execute 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 Like - RF 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.” Qualifications Education - BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated hands-on RF experience. Experience - Strong practical RF experience across common TT&C frequency bands. - Demonstrated hands-on experience with: - RF assemblies and coax harness fabrication - Antennas and RF subsystems - RF 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 Qualifications - Direct 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 Skills - High 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 Stack - Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) - Spectrum Analyzers - RF Signal Generators - Power Meters - RF Switching Matrices - Automated Test Software (Python, LabVIEW, or equivalent) - Standard AIT data logging and configuration management tools Physical Requirements - Ability 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.