MOPS Automation SW Dev Engineer

AST & Science, LLC; Lanham (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a MOPS Automation SW Dev Engineer to develop, automate, and maintain mission operations processes, tools, and procedures for the satellite constellation. The role blends operations engineering with software-driven automation, with emphasis on scripting procedures and enabling scalable, reliable on-orbit operations.

You\'ll work with systems engineers, flight software, ground software, and vendors to build automation, tooling, dashboards, and interfaces that improve

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM field.
• 2–5+ years in mission operations, software development, or automation.
• Experience scripting with Python.
• Experience in Windows development/ops environments.
• Experience with AWS or cloud deployments.
• Familiarity with Git and Jira/Confluence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evolve mission operations processes and ConOps across all mission phases.
• Perform trade studies on SOC software tools and architectures.
• Support SOC design, integration, and evolution with a focus on automation.
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot SOC tools and environments.
• Develop and validate satellite operations procedures and scripts.
• Script and automate satellite command and control using Python.
• Develop telemetry validation logic and checks for automated and manual ops.
• Modify procedures based on on-orbit performance and lessons learned.
• Design, develop, and maintain custom mission operations tools and scripts.
• Build dashboards and UI enhancements for operator situational awareness.
• Interface with APIs to integrate workflows.
• Support end-to-end testing between SOC and factory satellite.
• Participate in mission readiness activities and rehearsals.
• Provide mentoring to mission operations team members.

Skills

Python scripting

Windows OS

AWS

Git

Jira/Confluence

Automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM fields

Tools

Jira

Confluence

APIs

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 a MOPS Automation SW Dev Engineer to develop, automate, and maintain the mission operations processes, tools, and procedures required for successful operation of the AST SpaceMobile satellite constellation. This role blends mission operations engineering with software-driven automation, with a strong emphasis on scripting satellite procedures, developing operational tooling, and enabling scalable, reliable constellation operations. This position plays a critical role in shaping how the Satellite Operations Center (SOC) functions day-to-day and evolves over the lifetime of the constellation, providing operational insight into system design while actively building the automation and procedures used on orbit.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and evolve mission operations processes and concepts of operations (ConOps) across all mission phases (LEOP, commissioning, routine operations).
• Perform trade studies on Satellite Operations Center (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.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Technology, or Math (STEM) field.

Experience

• 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.
• Comfortable working in a Windows development and operations environment.
• Experience working with applications deployed in AWS or other cloud environments.
• Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.
• Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multi-satellite LEO constellations.
• Experience developing or operating automated mission operations systems.
• Familiarity with distributed systems, networking protocols, and API-based integrations.
• Experience creating telemetry displays, monitoring dashboards, or operator UIs.
• Basic experience with databases or data persistence for operational tooling.
• Systems engineering experience or coursework (requirements, architecture, integration & test).
• Experience supporting mission rehearsals, simulations, or critical on-orbit operations.

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with evolving system requirements.
• Self-starter who takes ownership and initiative.
• Comfortable working to tight deadlines in high-stress operational environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a remote, distributed, and cross-disciplinary team.
• Strong operational mindset with a bias toward automation and reliability.

Technology Stack

• Python and similar scripting languages for satellite command and control automation.
• Windows-based development and operations environments.
• AWS or other cloud environments for deployed applications.
• Git or other version control systems.
• Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence).
• Telemetry validation, dashboard, and visualization tooling for operator situational awareness.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a standard office environment.
• Ability to support periodic rotating shifts during LEOP and other critical on-orbit operations.

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.