Payload Operations Engineer

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.

Summary:

The Payload Operations Engineer performs all activities required to operate the AST satellite payload subsystems to support constellation service and in-orbit testing. This is a day-staff shift position supporting each of the AST Satellite Operations Centers (SOCs) but will also require support during some weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts in order to provide 24x7 payload support.

Duties include:

Support development of payload operations tools required for efficient automated payload tasks

Operate payload tools to create all configuration items required for the payload in-orbit testing (IOT) and commercial service

Monitor the service/test automation and analyze the results via evaluation of telemetries and logs

Coordinate payload system configuration changes as required to maintain commercial service levels

Work with tool developers for functionality updates and payload software updates

Coordinate troubleshooting with SOC, Network Operations Center (NOC) and Subsystem engineers to resolve any service issues

Monitor and process payload subsystem telemetry data to maintain payload subsystem state of health including but not limited to power, thermal, and RF performance

Maintain situational awareness of satellite, payload, and ground configuration and status

Operate SOC operations software tools

Support development of automated operations 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 and routine training sessions, simulations, rehearsals, conferences, and program reviews

Required Qualifications:

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

Must be a U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident Card holder

Excellent oral and written communications 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

Preferred Qualifications:

2+ years' experience, and/or Masters degree

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)

Experience programming with at least one modern language such as Java, Python, Matlab, C#,

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.

Full-time