RF Test Engineer

astspacemobile; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile in Midland, TX is seeking an experienced RF Test Engineer to design, validate, and optimize RF automated test systems for next‑generation communications hardware. You will bridge production, test engineering, and hardware development to ensure high-performance RF products move smoothly from development to manufacturing.

You will contribute to design-for-test and design-for-manufacturing, commission RFATEs, monitor KPIs, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements to test

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years in RF testing, wireless or related domains.
• Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment and automated test equipment (ATE).

Responsibilities

• Bring up, commission, and validate RF automated test systems used for communications hardware testing.
• Qualify and verify RF test system performance against specifications and requirements.
• Provide DFT/DFM feedback during product/test system development.
• Monitor RF performance metrics, identify trends and anomalies.
• Generate routine reports detailing RF results, risks, and recommendations.
• Calibrate, validate, maintain, and troubleshoot RF test systems.
• Support root cause investigations of RF performance issues across test, manufacturing, and engineering.

Skills

RF testing

ATE experience

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Equivalent experience considered

Tools

VNA

Spectrum Analyzers

Signal Generators

RF calibration tools

Job description

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet - on land, at sea and in flight.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and driven RF Test Engineer to support the development, deployment, validation, and optimization of advanced RF automated test systems for next-generation communications hardware. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with close collaboration across engineering, production, and test development teams to ensure high-performance RF products are successfully validated and transitioned into manufacturing environments.

The ideal candidate will play a key role in the design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) process by providing technical input throughout the product development lifecycle. This position is responsible for RF automated test equipment (ATE) commissioning, performance validation, KPI monitoring, troubleshooting, and trend analysis while serving as a bridge between production operations, test engineering, and hardware development teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Bring up, commission, and validate RF automated test systems used for communications hardware testing
• Qualify and verify RF test system performance against engineering specifications and operational requirements
• Provide design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) feedback during product and test system development
• Monitor and analyze RF performance metrics, identifying trends, anomalies, and outliers that may impact product quality or manufacturing efficiency
• Generate routine reports detailing RF test results, performance indicators, risks, and recommendations
• Perform hands-on calibration, validation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of RF automated test systems
• Support root cause investigations of RF performance issues across test, manufacturing, and engineering environments
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, test engineering, manufacturing, and hardware development groups
• Assist with the development and deployment of new RF test methodologies, procedures, and validation processes
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for RF test workflows, automation processes, and operational efficiency
• Ensure compliance with established quality standards and testing procedures
• Support the successful transfer of new products and technologies from development into production

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience testing RF communications, wireless systems, radar systems, or related technologies
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience working with RF laboratory test equipment and automated test equipment (ATE)
• Experience supporting product validation, manufacturing test environments, or production test operations
• Experience troubleshooting RF systems and interpreting test results to identify performance issues

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting aerospace, satellite communications, wireless communications, or other high-reliability electronic systems
• Experience developing or deploying automated RF testing solutions
• Familiarity with design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) methodologies
• Experience analyzing RF performance trends and manufacturing yield metrics
• Experience working in high-volume production or advanced engineering laboratory environments
• Understanding of quality systems, process control methodologies, and continuous improvement practices
• Knowledge of RF subsystem integration and validation processes

Soft Skills:

• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and execution
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration abilities
• Analytical mindset with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy
• Ability to identify risks and proactively drive solutions
• Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset

Technology Stack:

• RF automated test equipment (ATE)
• Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)
• Spectrum Analyzers
• Signal Generators
• RF calibration and validation tools
• RF test methodologies including gain, loss, noise figure, linearity, flatness, and intermodulation measurements
• Data analysis and reporting tools
• Manufacturing and engineering test platforms
• Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a laboratory and office environment while using a computer for extended periods
• Ability to perform hand