ATE RF Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; Midland (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking an experienced ATE RF engineer to lead the development and commissioning of RF test systems for space communication platforms. You will own DFM/DFT inputs with R&D to define RF architectures, calibration and KPI reporting, and troubleshoot RF hardware across production and R&D environments.

Basing in Midland, TX, this role blends hands-on lab work with collaboration across Production, ATE, and HW R&D teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of RF communication/rad ar equipment testing.
• 3+ years hands-on with RF lab test equipment and ATE.

Responsibilities

• Bring up and commission RF ATEs for space communication platforms.
• Qualify and verify RF ATE operation according to spec and requirements.
• Report anomalies, outliers, and issues in a timely manner.
• Track trends of RF KPIs and discuss potential risks.
• Hands-on calibration, qualification, and troubleshooting with ATE and R&D teams.
• Collaborate across Production, ATE, HW R&D.
• Continuously improve development and test workflows.

Skills

RF testing

DFT/DFM awareness

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.Sc in Engineering

Tools

VNA

RF analysers

RF signal generators

Job description

AST SpaceMobile 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 an experienced and driven ATE RF engineer. This role combines hands‑on technical expertise and close collaboration with the space communication platforms R&D team, driving the development and commissioning of cutting‑edge high‑end test and validation systems at space and production quality as well as process and performance evaluations and trends analysis of AST communication platforms throughout production.

You will own all DFM and DFT inputs to the R&D team in the process of developing the architecture, solutions and implementation of all RF related ATE, ATP and commissioning of all new equipment, RF KPIs measurements and reports to engineering and R&D, hands‑on troubleshooting and RF ATE status monitoring. You will play a key role in bridging between production, ATE R&D and engineering and RF hardware platforms R&D.

Key Responsibilities:

• Bring up and commission RF ATEs for space communication platforms.
• Qualify and verify RF ATE operation according to spec and requirements.
• Report in routine and timely manner on anomalies, outliers, exceptions and issues.
• Track trends of RF KPIs, observe and ignite the discussion on potential risks
• Hands on calibration, qualification, and troubleshooting in alignment with the ATE and R&D teams.
• Collaboration:
• Cross collaboration with multidisciplinary teams: Production, ATE, HW R&D
• Continuously improve development and test workflows.

Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of RF communication/RADAR equipment testing. of which at least 3+ years of hands‑on working with RF lab test equipment and ATE.
• Technical Skills:. Strong knowledge of RF test methodologies, Hands‑on experience with lab equipment: VNA, analysers, signal generators.

Education:

B.Sc in Engineering, or related field.

Soft Skills:

• Self managed, independent and with strong sense of ownership and execution.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Technology Stack:

• RF test equipment
• RF test methods for Gain, Loss, flatness, NF, Intermodulation’s, linearity

Physical Requirements

• Working from office at least 4 days a week + 1 remote
• Location: Lab work at Midland TX

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.