Environmental Test 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. ## Job Summary The Environmental Test Engineer (Vibration and TVAC) is responsible for planning, executing, and documenting mechanical and thermal-vacuum tests to verify the environmental durability of spacecraft components, subsystems, and full systems.

This engineer ensures test campaigns meet customer and program requirements for qualification and acceptance. ## Key Responsibilities - Develop and execute test plans and procedures for vibration (sine, random, shock) and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing. - Set up, calibrate, and operate test equipment including shakers, thermal chambers, vacuum chambers, and data acquisition systems. - Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to define environmental test requirements. - Perform real-time test monitoring and troubleshooting to ensure successful completion of test campaigns. - Ensure all testing complies with relevant standards (e.g., MIL-STD-1540, NASA GEVS, ECSS). - Coordinate with technicians to configure test setups, instrumentation, and test article fixturing. - Lead or support root cause investigations for test anomalies or failures. - Generate detailed test reports including data analysis, plots, and pass/fail criteria. - Maintain equipment and ensure test facilities meet operational readiness. - Participate in continuous improvement activities to enhance test efficiency, safety, and reliability. ## Required Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field. - 3+ years of experience in environmental testing, preferably in aerospace or defense. - Hands-on experience with electrodynamic shakers, TVAC chambers, accelerometers, thermal sensors, and DAQ systems. - Strong knowledge of vibration and thermal environments relevant to spaceflight hardware. - Familiarity with instrumentation setup, calibration, and data analysis. - Ability to work in cleanroom environments and follow contamination control procedures. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. ## Preferred Qualifications - Experience with software such as LabVIEW, TestStand, MATLAB, or Python for test automation and data analysis. - Experience supporting launch vehicle or satellite environmental qualification campaigns. - Knowledge of industry standards: MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1540, ECSS-E-ST-10-03C, etc. - Familiarity with thermal modeling and simulation tools. ## Working Conditions - May involve shift work and extended hours during test campaigns. - Physical requirements may include lifting up to 50 lbs and working in confined or high-vacuum areas. - Must be able to work in a fast-paced and collaborative environment with strict deadlines.

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.