Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Foundational understanding of RF and microwave theory, including S-parameters and impedance matching.
Familiarity with RF test equipment like VNAs and spectrum analyzers.
Basic scripting or programming ability, preferably in Python.
Willingness to work in a hands-on laboratory environment and relocate to specified locations.
Responsibilities
Set up and execute RF tests using various bench equipment.
Assist in developing and maintaining automated test scripts for RF characterization.
Record, analyze, and document test data, identifying anomalies or failures.
Support debugging of RF hardware issues with design engineers.
Build and maintain test fixtures and laboratory setups.
Assist with regulatory and compliance testing coordination.
Maintain calibration schedules for RF test equipment.
Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
Company-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Company-Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account Options
Employee Assistance Program
Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
Career Growth and Development Opportunities
Full Job Description
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level RF Test Engineer to join our Hardware Test team. This role will support the design, execution, and automation of RF test procedures for products and systems. The engineer will work closely with senior RF engineers, hardware designers, suppliers, and production teams to help ensure products meet performance and compliance specifications.
Key Responsibilities
Set up and execute RF tests, including S-parameters, gain, noise figure, power output, spectral purity, harmonics, and intermodulation, using bench equipment such as vector network analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power meters.
Assist with developing and maintaining automated test scripts using Python, LabVIEW, or similar tools for RF characterization and production testing.
Record, analyze, and document test data, and identify and report anomalies or failures.
Support the debugging of RF hardware issues in partnership with design engineers.
Build and maintain test fixtures and laboratory test setups.
Assist with coordination of regulatory and compliance testing, including FCC and CE requirements.
Maintain calibration schedules for RF test equipment.
Prepare clear test reports and procedure documentation.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including RF design, firmware, production, and quality.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience
Foundational understanding of RF and microwave theory, including S-parameters, impedance matching, transmission lines, and modulation.
Familiarity with RF test equipment, including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
Basic scripting or programming ability, with Python preferred for test automation.
Willingness to learn and work in a hands-on laboratory environment.
Ability and willingness to work 100% on-site and relocate to Dallas or Midland, Texas, or Arlington, Virginia, within one month of accepting the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Internship, coursework, or project experience involving RF circuits, antennas, or wireless systems.
Exposure to LabVIEW, MATLAB, or instrument control using SCPI or GPIB.
Familiarity with wireless standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, or GPS.
Understanding of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and regulatory testing fundamentals.
Soft Skills
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
Clear written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, production, supplier, and quality teams.
Attention to detail when documenting procedures, test configurations, results, and failures.
Technology Stack
RF bench equipment: vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power meters.
Test automation and analysis: Python; LabVIEW and MATLAB preferred.
Instrument control interfaces and protocols: SCPI and GPIB.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in an on-site engineering laboratory environment and use a computer for extended periods.
Ability to set up and operate RF test equipment, test fixtures, cables, and related bench hardware.
Ability to safely handle laboratory equipment and follow applicable environmental, health, and safety procedures.
Compensation and Career Development
Competitive salary range of $88,000 to $93,000, plus benefits.
Mentorship from senior RF engineers and hands-on training with industry-standard test equipment.
Career growth opportunities within RF and hardware engineering, including worldwide deployment across office and gateway locations on five continents.
Benefits & Perks
At AST, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
Company-Paid Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
Company-Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays
Career Growth and Development Opportunities
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.
