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.