Payload Operations 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.

Summary:

The Payload Operations Engineer performs all activities required to operate the AST satellite payload subsystems to support constellation service and in-orbit testing. This is a day-staff shift position supporting each of the AST Satellite Operations Centers (SOCs) but will also require support during some weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts in order to provide 24x7 payload support.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support development of payload operations tools required for efficient automated payload tasks

• Operate payload tools to create all configuration items required for the payload in-orbit testing (IOT) and commercial service

• Monitor the service/test automation and analyze the results via evaluation of telemetries and logs

• Coordinate payload system configuration changes as required to maintain commercial service levels

• Work with tool developers for functionality updates and payload software updates

• Coordinate troubleshooting with SOC, Network Operations Center (NOC) and Subsystem engineers to resolve any service issues

• Monitor and process payload subsystem telemetry data to maintain payload subsystem state of health including but not limited to power, thermal, and RF performance

• Maintain situational awareness of satellite, payload, and ground configuration and status

• Operate SOC operations software tools

• Support development of automated operations tools

• Participate in daily shift handover briefings

• Support mission product development including procedure development, test, and validation

• Support system readiness, planning, and preparation for satellite in-orbit milestones

• Attend required and routine training sessions, simulations, rehearsals, conferences, and program reviews

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field

• Must be a U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident Card holder

• Excellent oral and written communications skills

• Ability to work in an environment with rapidly evolving system requirements

• Demonstrated ability to work independently

• Technical understanding of satellite system architecture and subsystem functionality

• High level of problem-solving capabilities

• Familiarity with engineering analysis tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years' experience, and/or Masters degree

• Experience working with satellite communication payloads

• Multi-satellite LEO constellation experience

• Demonstrated ability to drive requirements for concepts of operation

• Familiarity with version control software, preferably Git

• Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence)

• Experience programming with at least one modern language such as Java, Python, Matlab, C#,

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.