Environmental Test Technician Supervisor

AST SpaceMobile; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking an Environmental Test Technician Supervisor to lead day-to-day environmental test operations, including thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, and acoustic testing, ensuring safe, compliant execution.

The role emphasizes planning, scheduling, mentoring technicians, performing root cause analysis, and driving continuous improvement across cross-functional teams to meet program milestones.

Strong leadership and hands-on test expertise are required.

Qualifications

• 2-3+ years of environmental testing experience in related industries.
• 1-2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily Environmental Test operations across thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, and acoustic testing.
• Plan, prioritize, and schedule work to meet program milestones.
• Assign tasks and manage technician workloads to optimize throughput.
• Maintain and train staff on test procedures and quality documentation.
• Monitor performance metrics and report to leadership.
• Troubleshoot anomalies; perform root causes and CAPA.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality regs.
• Mentor and develop technicians; support hiring and onboarding.
• Collaborate with Design Eng, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Facilities.
• Promote cross-training for flexibility.

Skills

Leadership

Root cause analysis

Planning & scheduling

Documentation & SOPs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Environmental test equipment

Metrology instruments

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 Environmental Test Technician Supervisor is responsible for leading day-to-day operations within the Environmental Test organization, overseeing technicians performing thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, acoustic, and related qualification and acceptance testing. This role ensures safe, compliant, and efficient execution of environmental test activities while driving continuous improvement, developing technical talent, and coordinating closely with cross-functional partners. The ideal candidate combines strong people leadership with hands-on environmental test expertise and a commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily Environmental Test operations, including thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, acoustic, and related environmental testing activities
• Plan, prioritize, and schedule work to meet program milestones, shifting priorities, and delivery deadlines
• Assign tasks and manage technician workloads to optimize throughput and resource utilization
• Author, maintain, and train staff on environmental test procedures, SOPs, and quality/process documentation
• Monitor staffing levels, test throughput, and equipment utilization; prepare and present performance metrics to leadership
• Troubleshoot test anomalies, failures, and non-conformances; perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Enforce compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality regulations across all environmental test operations
• Mentor, train, and develop technicians through performance feedback, coaching, and skills development
• Support hiring efforts and onboarding to grow and sustain team capability
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Facilities teams
• Promote cross-training initiatives to increase organizational flexibility
• Provide hands-on support with environmental testing as needed to ensure successful test execution

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline or equivalent practical experience

Experience

• 2-3+ years of environmental testing experience (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, acoustic, etc.) in aerospace, defense, electronics, or a similar industry
• 1-2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience (Lead Technician, Shift Lead, Supervisor, or equivalent)
• Experience with root cause analysis, non-conformance reporting, and corrective action processes

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of environmental testing experience in aerospace, defense, electronics, or similar high-reliability industries
• 1-3+ years of people leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong understanding of environmental test equipment, instrumentation, and metrology
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, test plans, and technical documentation
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective time management and organizational abilities
• Proven ability to lead teams in fast-paced, high-accountability environments
• Continuous improvement mindset with attention to detail

Technology Stack

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) or similar productivity tools
• Familiarity with test data systems, documentation control systems, and quality management tools preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer or test equipment
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as required
• Ability to traverse manufacturing and test facilities safely

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.