Environmental Test Engineer

AST Space Mobile is building the first and only global broadband cellular network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. Our team is on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s 5 billion mobile subscribers and bring cellular broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. Our strategic technology partners include global leaders like AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone Group, Google, Bell Canada, Rakuten Mobile and American Tower.

New

Midland, Texas, United States

AST Space Mobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview

We are seeking a capable and energetic Environmental Test Engineer to validate our satellite’s ability to survive the harsh conditions of launch and Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In this role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of critical test campaigns. You will work closely with systems, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams to ensure mission readiness. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and demonstrates strong ownership over their work, making a direct impact on the success of our rapidly growing business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and shock testing on components, subsystems, and fully assembled satellites.
• Coordinate logistics and scheduling with internal engineering teams and external test facilities.
• Work with and oversee environmental test vendors during off-site testing campaigns.
• Support test article instrumentation (e.g., thermocouples, accelerometers, strain gauges) and data acquisition system setup.
• Analyze test data, interpret results, and provide actionable feedback to design and manufacturing groups.
• Own, operate, and maintain internal environmental test infrastructure, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
• Lead root cause analysis and drive the resolution of test anomalies and failures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of test processes, procedures, and documentation.
• Serve as the subject-matter expert on environmental test equipment and methodologies.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of direct, hands-on experience in environmental testing of aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability systems.
• Working knowledge of relevant environmental test standards (e.g., NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-810).
• Demonstrated proficiency with TVAC chambers and vibration tables (sine/random).
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and technical specifications.
• Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with environmental testing of satellites or spacecraft.
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace materials and their behavior in vacuum, thermal, and vibrational environments.

Soft Skills:

• A proactive and accountable approach to managing projects from planning to completion.
• The ability to thrive and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic R&D and manufacturing environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and external vendors.
• A methodical and analytical mindset for troubleshooting complex test anomalies.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills for reporting results and documenting processes.
• TVAC Chambers, Electrodynamic Shakers (Vibration Tables), Shock Test Systems, Data Acquisition (DAQ) Hardware
• Accelerometers, Thermocouples, Strain Gauges, Force Sensors
• Data Analysis Software (e.g., MATLAB,…