Associate RF System Integration Engineer
A hands-on RF Assembly, Integration & Test engineer who builds, integrates, tests, and debugs flight RF hardware (TT&C and GPS radios, antennas, coax harnesses, AIT racks) for AST SpaceMobile's LEO satellite program, from bench validation through environmental testing and launch support. Core tech: RF test equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzers), Python/LabVIEW test automation, and cleanroom/factory w
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Midland, Texas, United States
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Full time
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Software engineering
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated hands-on RF experience
- Practical RF experience across common TT&C frequency bands
- Hands-on experience with RF assemblies and coax harness fabrication
- Hands-on experience with antennas and RF subsystems
- Hands-on experience with 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
- Willingness to travel to launch sites as required
Nice to have
- 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
Full description
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 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 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