---
title: 'RF Test Engineer at AST SpaceMobile'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/rf-test-engineer-ast-spacemobile-midland-vgd3xgxtw9rq'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-31'
---

# RF Test Engineer at AST SpaceMobile

- **Company:** AST SpaceMobile
- **Location:** Midland, TX
- **Posted:** 2026-10-28
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-31
- **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4746280005

## 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 an experienced and driven RF Test Engineer to support the development, deployment, validation, and optimization of advanced RF automated test systems for next-generation communications hardware. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with close collaboration across engineering, production, and test development teams to ensure high-performance RF products are successfully validated and transitioned into manufacturing environments.

The ideal candidate will play a key role in the design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) process by providing technical input throughout the product development lifecycle. This position is responsible for RF automated test equipment (ATE) commissioning, performance validation, KPI monitoring, troubleshooting, and trend analysis while serving as a bridge between production operations, test engineering, and hardware development teams.

## Key Responsibilities

- Bring up, commission, and validate RF automated test systems used for communications hardware testing
- Qualify and verify RF test system performance against engineering specifications and operational requirements
- Provide design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) feedback during product and test system development
- Monitor and analyze RF performance metrics, identifying trends, anomalies, and outliers that may impact product quality or manufacturing efficiency
- Generate routine reports detailing RF test results, performance indicators, risks, and recommendations
- Perform hands-on calibration, validation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of RF automated test systems
- Support root cause investigations of RF performance issues across test, manufacturing, and engineering environments
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, test engineering, manufacturing, and hardware development groups
- Assist with the development and deployment of new RF test methodologies, procedures, and validation processes
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives for RF test workflows, automation processes, and operational efficiency
- Ensure compliance with established quality standards and testing procedures
- Support the successful transfer of new products and technologies from development into production

## Qualifications

Education:

- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered

Experience:

- Minimum 5 years of experience testing RF communications, wireless systems, radar systems, or related technologies
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience working with RF laboratory test equipment and automated test equipment (ATE)
- Experience supporting product validation, manufacturing test environments, or production test operations
- Experience troubleshooting RF systems and interpreting test results to identify performance issues

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience supporting aerospace, satellite communications, wireless communications, or other high-reliability electronic systems
- Experience developing or deploying automated RF testing solutions
- Familiarity with design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) methodologies
- Experience analyzing RF performance trends and manufacturing yield metrics
- Experience working in high-volume production or advanced engineering laboratory environments
- Understanding of quality systems, process control methodologies, and continuous improvement practices
- Knowledge of RF subsystem integration and validation processes

Soft Skills:

- Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and execution
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration abilities
- Analytical mindset with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy
- Ability to identify risks and proactively drive solutions
- Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset

Technology Stack:

- RF automated test equipment (ATE)
- Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)
- Spectrum Analyzers
- Signal Generators
- RF calibration and validation tools
- RF test methodologies including gain, loss, noise figure, linearity, flatness, and intermodulation measurements
- Data analysis and reporting tools
- Manufacturing and engineering test platforms
- Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Requirements

- Ability to work in a laboratory and office environment while using a computer for extended periods
- Ability to perform hands-on work with RF test equipment, hardware systems, and automated test platforms
- Ability to review technical documentation, engineering reports, and test data
- Ability to work onsite a minimum of four days per week, with remote work flexibility based on business needs
- Ability to support laboratory-based testing and troubleshooting activities as required
- May require standing, walking, and moving equipment within a laboratory environment

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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