---
title: 'Senior RF Testing and Integration Engineer at AST SpaceMobile'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-rf-testing-and-integration-engineer-ast-spacemobile-midland-25pqbytzsb84'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-07'
---

# Senior RF Testing and Integration Engineer at AST SpaceMobile

- **Company:** AST SpaceMobile
- **Location:** Midland, TX
- **Posted:** 2026-03-11
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-07
- **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4672116005

## 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

The Senior RF Integration & Test Engineer will own the complete testing lifecycle for satellite TT&C and GNSS subsystems. This role operates across both the RF development laboratory and the spacecraft integration cleanroom, defining and executing RF test campaigns from early technology validation through flight hardware integration and environmental qualification.

The engineer will validate satellite test procedures, develop and verify automated test software, and execute test campaigns that ensure spacecraft RF systems perform reliably from the factory floor to orbit. This position plays a critical role in ensuring ground system compatibility and supporting mission success through In-Orbit Testing (IOT) and satellite commissioning.

## Key Responsibilities

- Define, author, and execute detailed RF test procedures supporting spacecraft development, integration, and production.
- Validate satellite-level test procedures and automated scripts within the RF development lab prior to execution on flight hardware in the cleanroom.
- Lead end-to-end “test as you fly” ground compatibility testing to ensure seamless RF communication between spacecraft radios and TT&C ground stations.
- Support the development and validation of system CONOPS and mission use cases through flatsat testing and integrated RF system validation.
- Provide mission support during satellite commissioning by leading RF data analysis during In-Orbit Testing (IOT).
- Plan and execute RF testing during environmental qualification and acceptance test campaigns including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and EMI/EMC testing.
- Perform advanced RF characterization measurements including EIRP, G/T, phase noise, group delay, P1dB, and passive intermodulation.
- Operate and maintain RF metrology equipment including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power meters.
- Oversee operation, calibration, and architectural evolution of RF Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE).
- Act as the primary on-site troubleshooting authority for automated RF test systems and related infrastructure.

## Qualifications

Education

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.

## Experience

- Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on experience in RF subsystem testing and validation within aerospace, defense, or satellite manufacturing environments.
- Proven experience executing ground station compatibility testing and supporting satellite In-Orbit Testing (IOT) operations.
- Experience validating software CONOPS and system-level RF use cases for satellite payloads, TT&C systems, or transponders.
- Strong operational knowledge of RF metrology equipment including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power meters, and signal generators.
- Demonstrated experience executing RF test campaigns involving thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration testing, and EMI/EMC chambers.

## Preferred Qualifications

- Experience working with satellite TT&C architectures and RF communications subsystems.
- Familiarity with automated RF test scripting environments including Python-based frameworks or SCPI command interfaces.
- Experience working with integrated spacecraft flatsat test environments.
- Experience supporting spacecraft production test operations or RF payload integration activities.

Soft Skills

- Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced engineering environments.
- Strong analytical and proactive problem-solving abilities.
- Clear and effective communication across engineering, production, and integration teams.
- Highly collaborative and mission-focused mindset.
- Strong ownership mentality with the ability to drive complex testing programs.

Technology Stack

- Programming & Analysis: MATLAB, Python
- Platforms & Infrastructure: Linux, Docker
- Productivity Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Physical Requirements

- Ability to stand for extended periods while performing test activities and maneuver around large RF test fixtures and spacecraft hardware.
- Ability to work in a cleanroom environment under strict ESD and FOD control protocols.
- Ability to lift and move equipment up to 25 pounds as needed for test setup and integration activities.
- Position is based at the Midland, Texas facility and requires on-site collaboration with engineering and spacecraft integration teams.
- Occasional domestic and international travel may be required to support mission milestones, vendor integration activities, and spacecraft testing 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)

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