AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

Environmental Test Engineer-Weekday Day Shift

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. • $80K — $110K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace or high-reliability system environmental testing.
  • Familiarity with aerospace testing standards like NASA GEVS and MIL-STD-810.
  • Proficiency with TVAC chambers and vibration testing apparatus.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex technical documentation.
  • Experience with data acquisition systems and relevant instrumentation.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct thermal vacuum, vibration, and shock tests on satellite components and systems.
  • Manage logistics and coordinate testing schedules with engineering teams and external facilities.
  • Supervise environmental test vendors during testing campaigns.
  • Implement instrumentation setup for data collection during tests.
  • Analyze and interpret test data to inform design and manufacturing improvements.
  • Maintain and operate the organization's environmental testing infrastructure.
  • Lead investigations into test failures and anomalies, driving resolution efforts.
  • Enhance testing processes and documentation for continuous improvement.

Benefits

  • Standard work week of Monday-Thursday, with a 4-day work schedule allowing for extended downtime.
  • Shift premiums available for night and weekend shifts, enhancing earnings potential.
  • Collaborative environment with cross-functional engineering teams, fostering professional growth.
  • Opportunity to contribute directly to important aerospace projects, impacting mission success.
Full Job Description
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 1- Days: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (4x10s).

Depending on business needs, this role may also have opportunities on:
  • Shift 2-Nights: Monday-Thursday, 6:00 p.m.-4:00 a.m. (4x10s) 10% pay premium.
  • Shift 3- Weekends: Friday-Sunday, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (3x12s) 20% 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.
  • Must be able to lift and carry test equipment and components up to 40 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity required to handle and install sensitive instrumentation and cabling.
  • Ability to work in an environment with moderate noise levels from test equipment.
  • Visual acuity to read schematics and inspect small components.
  • May require occasional travel to external test facilities.

This 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 by business demands.

About AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. is a telecommunications company that is developing a space-based cellular broadband network. The company's network will provide mobile connectivity to remote and underserved areas around the world. AST SpaceMobile, Inc. was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Learn more about AST SpaceMobile, Inc.
Size
50 employees
Market Cap
$696.8 million
Industry
NASDAQ

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