Environmental Test Engineer

<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p></div><p><strong>Job Summary:</strong></p> <p>The Environmental Test Engineer (Vibration and TVAC) is responsible for planning, executing, and documenting mechanical and thermal-vacuum tests to verify the environmental durability of spacecraft components, subsystems, and full systems. This engineer ensures test campaigns meet customer and program requirements for qualification and acceptance.</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Develop and execute test plans and procedures for vibration (sine, random, shock) and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing.</li> <li>Set up, calibrate, and operate test equipment including shakers, thermal chambers, vacuum chambers, and data acquisition systems.</li> <li>Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to define environmental test requirements.</li> <li>Perform real-time test monitoring and troubleshooting to ensure successful completion of test campaigns.</li> <li>Ensure all testing complies with relevant standards (e.g., MIL-STD-1540, NASA GEVS, ECSS).</li> <li>Coordinate with technicians to configure test setups, instrumentation, and test article fixturing.</li> <li>Lead or support root cause investigations for test anomalies or failures.</li> <li>Generate detailed test reports including data analysis, plots, and pass/fail criteria.</li> <li>Maintain equipment and ensure test facilities meet operational readiness.</li> <li>Participate in continuous improvement activities to enhance test efficiency, safety, and reliability.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Required Qualifications:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.</li> <li>3+ years of experience in environmental testing, preferably in aerospace or defense.</li> <li>Hands-on experience with electrodynamic shakers, TVAC chambers, accelerometers, thermal sensors, and DAQ systems.</li> <li>Strong knowledge of vibration and thermal environments relevant to spaceflight hardware.</li> <li>Familiarity with instrumentation setup, calibration, and data analysis.</li> <li>Ability to work in cleanroom environments and follow contamination control procedures.</li> <li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills.</li> <li>Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Qualifications:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience with software such as LabVIEW, TestStand, MATLAB, or Python for test automation and data analysis.</li> <li>Experience supporting launch vehicle or satellite environmental qualification campaigns.</li> <li>Knowledge of industry standards: MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1540, ECSS-E-ST-10-03C, etc.</li> <li>Familiarity with thermal modeling and simulation tools.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Working Conditions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>May involve shift work and extended hours during test campaigns.</li> <li>Physical requirements may include lifting up to 50 lbs and working in confined or high-vacuum areas.</li> <li>Must be able to work in a fast-paced and collaborative environment with strict deadlines.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class="content-conclusion"><p>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.</p></div>