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