--- title: 'MOPS Automation SW Dev Engineer at AST SpaceMobile' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/mops-automation-sw-dev-engineer-ast-spacemobile-lanham-agg4aepr7qpt' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-31' --- # MOPS Automation SW Dev Engineer at AST SpaceMobile - **Company:** AST SpaceMobile - **Location:** Lanham, MD - **Posted:** 2026-09-28 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-31 - **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4736496005 ## Job description 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 MOPS Automation SW Dev Engineer to develop, automate, and maintain the mission operations processes, tools, and procedures required for successful operation of the AST SpaceMobile satellite constellation. This role blends mission operations engineering with software-driven automation, with a strong emphasis on scripting satellite procedures, developing operational tooling, and enabling scalable, reliable constellation operations. This position plays a critical role in shaping how the Satellite Operations Center (SOC) functions day-to-day and evolves over the lifetime of the constellation, providing operational insight into system design while actively building the automation and procedures used on orbit. Key Responsibilities: - Develop and evolve mission operations processes and concepts of operations (ConOps) across all mission phases (LEOP, commissioning, routine operations). - Perform trade studies on Satellite Operations Center (SOC) software tools and operational architectures. - Support SOC system design, integration, and evolution with a focus on automation and scalability. - Configure, operate, and troubleshoot SOC operations tools and environments. - Develop, test, and validate satellite operations procedures, sequences of events, and command scripts used for on-orbit operations. - Script and automate satellite command and control procedures using languages such as Python (and similar scripting languages). - Develop telemetry validation logic and expected response checks to support both automated and manual operations. - Modify and improve procedures based on on-orbit performance and lessons learned. - Design, develop, and maintain custom mission operations tools and automation scripts. - Develop tooling and lightweight applications to support on-orbit operations, monitoring, and analysis. - Build or extend user interfaces, dashboards, or visualization tools that improve operator situational awareness. - Interface with internal and external APIs to integrate mission operations workflows. - Support system-level integration tests and end-to-end testing between the SOC and factory satellite. - Participate in mission readiness activities including operations tests, simulations, rehearsals, and dry runs. - Support mission operations during LEOP and other critical on-orbit activities, including possible periodic rotating shifts. - Work closely with systems engineers, flight software, ground software, and external vendors to develop operational products. - Support requirements development, architecture reviews, design reviews, readiness reviews, and program milestones. - Provide mentoring and technical guidance to mission operations team members. ## Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Technology, or Math (STEM) field. Experience: - 2-5+ years of relevant experience in mission operations, software development, or automation roles. - Experience scripting operational procedures or automation workflows using Python or similar languages. - Familiarity with satellite command and control operations and mission operations workflows. - Comfortable working in a Windows development and operations environment. - Experience working with applications deployed in AWS or other cloud environments. - Familiarity with Git or other version control systems. - Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence). Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with multi-satellite LEO constellations. - Experience developing or operating automated mission operations systems. - Familiarity with distributed systems, networking protocols, and API-based integrations. - Experience creating telemetry displays, monitoring dashboards, or operator UIs. - Basic experience with databases or data persistence for operational tooling. - Systems engineering experience or coursework (requirements, architecture, integration & test). - Experience supporting mission rehearsals, simulations, or critical on-orbit operations. Soft Skills: - Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with evolving system requirements. - Self-starter who takes ownership and initiative. - Comfortable working to tight deadlines in high-stress operational environments. - Ability to collaborate effectively with a remote, distributed, and cross-disciplinary team. - Strong operational mindset with a bias toward automation and reliability. Technology Stack: - Python and similar scripting languages for satellite command and control automation. - Windows-based development and operations environments. - AWS or other cloud environments for deployed applications. - Git or other version control systems. - Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence). - Telemetry validation, dashboard, and visualization tooling for operator situational awareness. Physical Requirements - Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. - Ability to use a computer for extended periods. - Ability to work in a standard office environment. - Ability to support periodic rotating shifts during LEOP and other critical on-orbit operations. 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. ## About AST SpaceMobile ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard, unmodified smartphones. - **Entity Type**: Public (Nasdaq: ASTS) - **Headquarters**: Midland, Texas, USA - **Founded**: 2017 - **Founders**: Abel Avellan ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Space-based telecommunications / Satellite broadband - **Target customers**: B2B (mobile network operators), B2C (indirectly through MNOs), and government/defense agencies - **Mission**: To eliminate connectivity gaps faced by today’s nearly six billion mobile subscribers and bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected using a space-based cellular network. ## Products & Services - **[SpaceMobile Network]**: A space-based cellular broadband network that delivers 4G/5G connectivity directly to standard smartphones without any hardware modifications, apps, or software updates. - **[BlueBird Satellites]**: The company’s commercial satellite constellation, designed to provide full broadband coverage globally. BlueBird satellites are among the largest commercial communications arrays in low Earth orbit. - **[BlueWalker 3]**: The prototype satellite used to demonstrate world-first voice, 5G, and video calls from space to ordinary phones. - **[Government & Defense Solutions]**: Tailored connectivity for tactical and public safety applications (e.g., FirstNet tests, government contracts). ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Market capitalization exceeded $8 billion as of August 2024 (stock price ~$38.60). More recent figures are not publicly available but the company has raised over $2 billion as of Q2 2025. - **Key Metric (Total Funding)**: Over $2 billion raised (debt and equity) as of Q2 2025. - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Vodafone, Rakuten, American Tower, Samsung Next, Cisneros, Google (product partnership), AT&T, Verizon, FirstNet Authority. - **Growth Signals**: - Partnerships with nearly 60 mobile network operators covering ~3 billion combined subscribers. - Successfully completed first VoLTE voice calls, video calls, and 5G data connections using standard smartphones via satellite. - First public safety tests on FirstNet (Jan 2024) and first activation for government defense use cases (June 2025). - Commercial contract with Vodafone through 2034 for Europe and Africa. - 578 employees as of 2024; expanding manufacturing and office footprint globally. ## Competitive Advantages - **First-mover**: Only company offering direct-to-smartphone satellite broadband with no specialized hardware or software required. - **Patent Moat**: Over 3,800 patents and pending claims protecting proprietary technology. - **MNO Integration**: Deep partnerships with major global operators enable seamless integration with existing terrestrial networks. - **Satellite Scale**: BlueBird satellites feature large phased-array antennas (BlueWalker 3 array is 693 sq ft), providing a field of view over 300,000 sq miles. ## Strategic Focus - **Constellation Deployment**: Rapidly launching and operationalizing the BlueBird satellite fleet to start generating significant commercial revenue. - **Global Coverage Expansion**: Targeting full service across multiple continents, with a focus on remote and underserved regions. - **Government & Defense**: Broadening contracts for secure, tactical connectivity. - **Technology Advancement**: Continued R&D on next-generation satellite capabilities and network optimization. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Fast-growing company with a startup mindset; employees are encouraged to wear many hats and tackle meaningful challenges. - **Global Presence**: Offices in Midland (TX), Homestead (FL), Miami (FL), Lanham (MD), Tel Aviv, Barcelona, Edinburgh, Hyderabad, and other locations. - **Impact**: Opportunity to work on a historic transformation in global connectivity, directly connecting billions of people. - **Perks & Environment**: Nearly 500,000 sq ft of manufacturing and office facilities; emphasis on innovation, autonomy, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. - **Career Growth**: Open positions listed on Greenhouse; values proactive, passionate innovators. ## Sources 1. [AST SpaceMobile Official Website](https://ast-science.com) 2. [AST SpaceMobile Company Page](https://ast-science.com/company/) 3. [AST SpaceMobile Careers Page](https://ast-science.com/company/careers/) 4. [AST SpaceMobile Investor Relations](https://investors.ast-science.com/) 5. [Wikipedia – AST SpaceMobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AST_SpaceMobile) ## Other roles at AST SpaceMobile - [Radiation Assurance Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/radiation-assurance-engineer-ast-spacemobile-barcelona-mwqddbmbpcaa) — Barcelona, Spain - [Data Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/data-engineer-ast-spacemobile-riga-a4106z5k9fv4) — Riga, Latvia - [Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-principal-device-validation-engineer-ast-spacemobile-dallas-e3rfdes9enr0) — Dallas, TX - [Executive Administrative Assistant](https://feeny.ai/job/executive-administrative-assistant-ast-spacemobile-miami-f4hp8kdc3hw7) — Miami, FL - [Assoc Electrical Software Test Engr Part Time](https://feeny.ai/job/assoc-electrical-software-test-engr-part-time-ast-spacemobile-lanham-5tc3ttjrbxz0) — Lanham, MD - [Principle Systems Engineering- Software](https://feeny.ai/job/principle-systems-engineering-software-ast-spacemobile-dallas-pppwznbatsef) — Dallas, TX - [Senior Director, Program Delivery](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-director-program-delivery-ast-spacemobile-dallas-a86x62ftrfzx) — Dallas, TX - [Director, Technical Project Delivery](https://feeny.ai/job/director-technical-project-delivery-ast-spacemobile-dallas-ck7aqrrxrjvg) — Dallas, TX - [RF Test Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/rf-test-engineer-ast-spacemobile-midland-vgd3xgxtw9rq) — Midland, TX - [Principal Gateway Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/principal-gateway-engineer-ast-spacemobile-dallas-ssbaxscfm2pw) — Dallas, TX