Mission Operations Automation Software Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is hiring a MOPS Automation SW Dev Engineer to design and automate mission operations tools for the satellite constellation. The role blends mission operations with software-driven automation, emphasizing scripting and scalable, reliable on-orbit procedures.

The position involves developing telemetry validation, dashboards, and operator interfaces, collaborating with systems engineers and software teams to enhance readiness across LEOP and routine operations.

Qualifications

• 2-5+ years of relevant experience in mission operations, software development, or automation roles.
• Experience scripting operational procedures or automation workflows using Python or similar languages.
• Familiarity with satellite command and control operations and mission operations workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evolve mission operations processes and concepts of operations (ConOps) across all mission phases (LEOP, commissioning, routine operations).
• Perform trade studies on SOC software tools and operational architectures.
• Support SOC system design, integration, and evolution with a focus on automation and scalability.
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot SOC operations tools and environments.
• Develop, test, and validate satellite operations procedures, sequences of events, and command scripts used for on-orbit operations.
• Script and automate satellite command and control procedures using languages such as Python (and similar scripting languages).
• Develop telemetry validation logic and expected response checks to support both automated and manual operations.
• Modify and improve procedures based on on-orbit performance and lessons learned.
• Design, develop, and maintain custom mission operations tools and automation scripts.
• Develop tooling and lightweight applications to support on-orbit operations, monitoring, and analysis.
• Build or extend user interfaces, dashboards, or visualization tools that improve operator situational awareness.
• Interface with internal and external APIs to integrate mission operations workflows.
• Support system-level integration tests and end-to-end testing between the SOC and factory satellite.
• Participate in mission readiness activities including operations tests, simulations, rehearsals, and dry runs.
• Support mission operations during LEOP and other critical on-orbit activities, including possible periodic rotating shifts.
• Work closely with systems engineers, flight software, ground software, and external vendors to develop operational products.
• Support requirements development, architecture reviews, design reviews, readiness reviews, and program milestones.
• Provide mentoring and technical guidance to mission operations team members.

Skills

Python scripting

Windows development

Automation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Science/Technology/Math (STEM)

Tools

Git

Jira

Confluence

AWS

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is hiring a MOPS Automation SW Dev Engineer to design and automate mission operations tools for the satellite constellation. The role blends mission operations with software-driven automation, emphasizing scripting and scalable, reliable on-orbit procedures.

The position involves developing telemetry validation, dashboards, and operator interfaces, collaborating with systems engineers and software teams to enhance readiness across LEOP and routine operations.