---
title: 'Payload Operations Engineer at AST SpaceMobile'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/payload-operations-engineer-ast-spacemobile-lanham-nxh4f5b6v83b'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-31'
---

# Payload Operations Engineer at AST SpaceMobile

- **Company:** AST SpaceMobile
- **Location:** Lanham, MD
- **Posted:** 2026-09-22
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-31
- **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4736487005

## 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 Payload Operations Engineer to operate AST satellite payload subsystems in support of constellation service and in-orbit testing. This is an onsite, day-staff shift position supporting the AST Satellite Operations Centers (SOCs) in Lanham, MD, with occasional weekend, holiday, and on-call support required to provide 24x7 payload operations. The role works closely with SOC, Network Operations Center (NOC), and subsystem engineers to maintain payload health and commercial service levels, and supports development of the automated tools used to operate the payload.

Key Responsibilities:

- Support development of payload operations tools required for efficient, automated payload tasks.
- Operate payload tools to create all configuration items required for payload in-orbit testing (IOT) and commercial service.
- Monitor service/test automation and analyze results through evaluation of telemetry and logs.
- Coordinate payload system configuration changes as required to maintain commercial service levels.
- Work with tool developers on functionality updates and payload software updates.
- Coordinate troubleshooting with SOC, Network Operations Center (NOC), and subsystem engineers to resolve service issues.
- Monitor and process payload subsystem telemetry data to maintain subsystem state of health, including power, thermal, and RF performance.
- Maintain situational awareness of satellite, payload, and ground configuration and status.
- Operate SOC operations software 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 training sessions, simulations, rehearsals, conferences, and program reviews.

## Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

2+ years of relevant experience; a Master's degree or additional experience is preferred. Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Card holder.

Preferred Qualifications:

- 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).
- Programming experience in at least one modern language such as Java, Python, Matlab, or C#.

Soft Skills:

- Excellent oral and written communication 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.

Technology Stack:

- SOC operations software tools.
- Payload automation and telemetry analysis tools.
- Engineering analysis tools.
- Version control systems (e.g., Git) and the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence).
- Programming languages such as Python, Java, Matlab, or C#.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to work in an office and Satellite Operations Center (SOC) environment.
- Ability to participate in shift work, including occasional weekends, holidays, and on-call periods to support 24x7 operations.
- Ability to use a computer for extended periods.

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)

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