Engineering Development Program (EDP) - Environmental Test

AST SpaceMobile; Midland (TX); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Midland, Texas, seeks recent graduates for its Engineering Development Program. Participants will gain hands-on experience as Engineering Technicians in environmental testing, with a clear development path to Engineering roles. The program focuses on spacecraft assembly and environmental testing processes. Ideal candidates are aerospace or mechanical engineering graduates, eager to embark on a career in aerospace technology and spacecraft systems engineering. Excellent opportunities for leadership development are available.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate or early-career engineer with strong academic performance.
• Hands-on engineering project experience through internships or academic programs.
• Demonstrated interest in spacecraft systems, manufacturing, or hardware engineering.

Responsibilities

• Assist in testing spacecraft hardware and environmental controls.
• Lead daily test operations and plan team tasks.
• Document test results and ensure quality assurance.

Skills

Curiosity about hardware systems testing

Problem-solving mindset

Strong communication skills

Leadership potential

Education

Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Physics or related technical discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Precision mechanical assembly tools

Electrical harness installation equipment

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

The Engineering Development Program (EDP) is designed for exceptional recent graduates who want to become spacecraft engineers by first learning how satellites are physically built.

Participants in this program will begin their careers working directly on the spacecraft production floor as Engineering Technicians supporting Environmental Test Operations. In this role, participants will gain hands‑on experience integrating and testing subsystems and satellites to qualify and validate AST SpaceMobile satellites.

As participants demonstrate technical capability and leadership potential, they will progress through a structured development path:

Engineering Technician → Engineering Technician Supervisor → Associate Engineer

This program provides a rare opportunity to develop engineers who understand spacecraft hardware from the ground up—combining hands‑on spacecraft assembly experience, early leadership development, and a clear transition into an engineering role.

Participants will gain direct experience testing flight hardware, leading technical teams, and supporting spacecraft production at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Phase 1 – Engineering Technician

Participants begin the program working directly with spacecraft hardware supporting environmental test which includes Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), Vibration, Shock and Acoustics.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing, including chamber setup, instrumentation routing, leak checks, pump-down operations, and test monitoring.
• Operate vibration test systems (sine, random, shock) including fixture setup, software configuration, and accelerometer instrumentation.
• Conduct environmental screening on subassemblies (thermal cycling, burn-in, thermal balance, etc.).
• Install, route, and verify test instrumentation including thermocouples, accelerometers, etc.
• Validate data acquisition system (DAS) configuration and ensure accurate sensor readings.
• Document test results, anomalies, and configuration changes in accordance with engineering and quality standards.
• Support lifting, securing, and fixturing flight hardware using cranes, overhead hoists, and support equipment.
• Assist engineers in writing, reviewing, and updating test procedures and work instructions.

This phase focuses on developing a deep understanding of environmental test and proper flight hardware handling.

Phase 2 – Engineering Technician Supervisor

After demonstrating strong technical performance and leadership capability, participants will transition into a supervisory role supporting solar array production operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead Environmental Test Operations: Oversee daily activities including thermal-vacuum, vibration, shock, acoustic, and related tests.
• Plan and Prioritize Work: Develop schedules, assign tasks, and adapt plans to meet shifting priorities and deadlines.
• Develop and Maintain Documentation: Author, update, and train staff on test procedures, SOPs, and quality/process documentation.
• Monitor and Report Metrics: Track staffing levels, throughput, and resource utilization; prepare performance reports for leadership.
• Troubleshoot and Resolve Issues: Investigate test failures and non-conformances; perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure Compliance: Enforce health, safety, and environmental regulations across all operations.
• Mentor and Develop Team: Provide training, performance feedback, and support hiring efforts to grow team capabilities.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Interface with design, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and facilities teams; promote cross‑training initiatives.
• Provide Hands‑On Support: Assist with environmental testing as needed to ensure successful execution.

This phase provides early leadership experience managing a technical teams responsible for environmental testing of flight spacecraft hardware.

Phase 3 – Associate Engineer

Upon successful completion of the development program, participants transition into an Associate Engineer role supporting spacecraft production and integration.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and shock testing on components, subsystems, and fully assembled satellites.
• Coordinatelogisticsand 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, andmaintaininternal environmental test infrastructure, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
• Lead rootcauseanalysis anddrivethe resolution of test anomalies and failures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of test processes, procedures, and documentation.
• Serve as thesubject‑matterexpert on environmental test equipment and methodologies.

Participants completing the program transition into engineering roles with a unique advantage—direct experience with handling spacecraft hardware and successfully executing environmental testing.

Qualifications

Education

• Aerospace Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Physics or related technical discipline

Experience

• Recent graduate or early‑career engineer with strong academic performance.
• Hands‑on engineering project experience through internships, research labs, or academic programs.
• Experience working with mechanical assemblies, electronics, robotics, or hardware systems preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in spacecraft systems, aerospace manufacturing, or hardware engineering.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with mechanical assemblies, wiring harnesses, or electromechanical systems.
• Exposure to aerospace manufacturing, spacecraft systems, or cleanroom environments.
• Experience with bonding, adhesives, or precision assembly processes.
• Participation in engineering project teams, robotics competitions, or hardware‑based research projects.

Soft Skills

• Strong curiosity and desire to understand how complex hardware systems are tested.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to motivate and guide technical teams.
• Strong problem‑solving mindset and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced engineering and production environment.

Technology Stack

Engineering & Manufacturing Tools

• Precision mechanical assembly tools
• Electrical harness installation equipment
• Adhesive and bonding application

Software & Productivity Tools

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Engineering documentation systems

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform hands‑on work with spacecraft hardware and mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while performing integration and closeout operations.
• Ability to work in cleanroom environments under strict ESD and FOD control protocols.
• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 25 pounds as required for spacecraft integration tasks.
• Position is based at the Midland, Texas facility and requires on‑site collaboration with spacecraft production and engineering teams.

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.