Associate RF System Integration Engineer

About the role

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 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

• 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.