Radiation Assurance 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.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated Radiation Assurance Engineer (Electronic Components & Subsystems) to join our team assessing the suitability of electronic components and subsystems for operation in orbit. The successful candidate will analyze electronic parts and systems, design and build radiation test hardware, execute radiation test campaigns, and provide technical assessments on component performance in harsh space environments. This is a hands-on, laboratory-focused role within fast-paced engineering projects that require strong electronics design expertise and a proactive problem-solving mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze electronic components and subsystems, including datasheets, functional architectures, and operating modes, to define radiation assessment strategies and testing requirements.
• Design schematics, PCB layouts, test boards, fixtures, and daughterboards to evaluate devices under representative operating conditions.
• Build, integrate, troubleshoot, and validate electronic test setups, including power, signal generation, biasing, loading, and data acquisition systems.
• Operate laboratory instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads, multimeters, source-measure units, and data loggers.
• Develop and maintain test automation, control, and monitoring scripts using tools such as Python and LabVIEW.
• Support and execute radiation test campaigns at external irradiation facilities, including setup, installation, operation, troubleshooting, and data collection.
• Analyze radiation test results, assess device degradation and failure mechanisms, and evaluate performance against mission requirements.
• Prepare detailed test plans, procedures, technical reports, and radiation assurance assessments.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and mission engineering teams to support design decisions and risk mitigation strategies.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, test hardware inventory, and technical documentation to enable efficient project execution and reuse of test setups.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.

Experience

A minimum of 1-4 years of hands-on experience in electronics hardware design, testing, or a related engineering field. Relevant internships, research projects, and academic experience may be considered for junior candidates.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electronics Engineering, Space Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of radiation effects on electronics, including Total Ionizing Dose (TID), Single Event Effects (SEE), and Displacement Damage Dose (DDD).
• Familiarity with industry radiation test standards such as ESCC 22900, ESCC 25100, MIL-STD-883 TM1019/TM1017, and JESD57/JESD89.
• Experience supporting radiation test campaigns, EEE component engineering, or space-qualified hardware programs.
• Proficiency in Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar tools for test automation and data analysis.
• Experience with instrument control protocols such as SCPI and VISA.
• Familiarity with FPGA or microcontroller firmware development for hardware monitoring and test execution.
• Knowledge of COTS component qualification, derating practices, and reliability analysis for space applications.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
• Hands-on approach with the ability to rapidly prototype and troubleshoot technical solutions.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Adaptability and effectiveness in a fast-paced project environment.

Technology Stack

• Altium Designer
• KiCad
• Python
• LabVIEW
• MATLAB
• SCPI and VISA instrument control tools
• Oscilloscopes
• Power Supplies
• Electronic Loads
• Digital Multimeters
• Source-Measure Units (SMUs)
• Data Loggers
• PCB Design and Schematic Capture Tools
• FPGA and Microcontroller Development Environments

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office and electronics laboratory environment.
• Ability to use computers, laboratory equipment, and testing instrumentation for extended periods.
• Ability to assemble, solder, rework, and test prototype electronic hardware.
• Ability to transport, set up, and operate test equipment at customer and external radiation testing facilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required for radiation test campaigns.
• Ability to work occasional night shifts during test campaigns when required.
• Ability to comply with controlled-access facility procedures and radiation safety requirements.

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 .

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.