Position Overview

We are seeking a Payload Operations Engineer responsible for operating AST satellite payload subsystems to support constellation service and in-orbit testing. This is primarily a day-staff shift position at the AST Satellite Operations Centers (SOCs), with occasional weekend, holiday, and on-call support to provide 24x7 payload operations.

Key Responsibilities

Payload Operations & Monitoring

• Operate payload tools to create configuration items required for in-orbit testing (IOT) and commercial service.

• Monitor service/test automation and analyze results through telemetry and log evaluation.

• Coordinate payload system configuration changes to maintain commercial service levels.

• Monitor and process payload subsystem telemetry data to ensure subsystem health, including power, thermal, and RF performance.

• Maintain situational awareness of satellite, payload, and ground configuration and status.

Tool & Software Support

• Support development of payload operations tools for efficient automated tasks.

• Work with tool developers for functionality updates and payload software updates.

• Operate SOC operations software tools.

• Support development of automated operations tools.

Coordination & Troubleshooting

• Coordinate troubleshooting with SOC, Network Operations Center (NOC), and subsystem engineers to resolve service issues.

• Participate in daily shift handover briefings.

• Support mission product development including procedure development, testing, and validation.

• Support system readiness, planning, and preparation for satellite in-orbit milestones.

• Attend required training sessions, simulations, rehearsals, conferences, and program reviews.

Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• A minimum of 0–2 years (or equivalent experience); Master’s degree or additional experience preferred.

• Technical understanding of satellite system architecture and subsystem functionality.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in an evolving system environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with satellite communication payloads.

• Multi-satellite LEO constellation experience.

• Demonstrated ability to drive requirements for concepts of operation.

• Familiarity with version control software (preferably Git) and Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence).

• Programming experience in at least one modern language such as Java, Python, Matlab, or C#.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• High level of problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to adapt to rapidly evolving system requirements.

Technology Stack:

• SOC operations software tools.

• Payload automation and telemetry analysis tools.

• Engineering analysis tools, version control systems, programming languages (Python, Java, Matlab, C#).

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in an office and SOC environment.

• Legally able to work in Spain.

• Ability to participate in shift work, including occasional weekends, holidays, and on-call periods.

• Ability to use a computer for extended periods.

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. 

Position Overview
We are seeking a Partner Testing Project Manager to oversee the testing processes and ensure the quality control of mobile satellite communication projects. Working closely with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders, this role ensures that products meet the necessary standards and specifications before deployment, contributing to the success of satellite communication systems.

Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and implement comprehensive test strategies for mobile satellite communication products and services
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to define testing requirements, ensuring alignment with project goals
• Establish timelines, milestones, and deliverables for testing activities
• Serve as the primary point of contact between engineering, quality assurance, partners, and clients
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, ensuring their testing processes are well integrated into the project lifecycle
• Facilitate communication between internal teams and external testers, addressing issues and delivering solutions promptly
• Oversee the execution of test cases for mobile satellite communication systems, ensuring thorough testing of hardware and software components
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure comprehensive testing across functionality, performance, and security
• Ensure the quality of deliverables by adhering to specifications and standards
• Monitor and prioritize issues to ensure they are addressed in a timely manner
• Manage defect reports, collaborating with relevant teams to resolve issues with minimal impact on project timelines
• Identify potential risks and challenges during testing, developing strategies for risk mitigation
• Maintain accurate records of test plans, test cases, and results
• Provide regular updates to leadership and stakeholders on test progress, challenges, and outcomes
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Analyze test results to identify areas for improvement in the product development process
• Offer feedback and recommendations to enhance testing practices, processes, and tools

Qualifications

Education:
Degree in Computer Science, Electronics, Telecommunications, or related field

Experience:
A minimum of 3 years’ experience in Customer Service, Project Management, Satellite or Cellular Communications

Preferred Qualifications:
• Hands-on experience with RF systems, baseband equipment, satellite communications
• Proficiency in remote monitoring tools, system diagnostics, and remote desktop platforms
• Demonstrated experience with monitoring, configuration management and fault management collaboration tools

Soft Skills:
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, in English
• Ability to troubleshoot complex systems with minimal supervision
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic, fast-paced operational environment

Technology Stack:
• Remote monitoring tools
• System diagnostics
• Remote desktop platforms
• Monitoring, configuration management and fault management collaboration tools

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods
• Ability to travel

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. 

Position Overview

We are seeking a Mission Operations Development 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 combines mission operations engineering with software-driven automation, with a strong focus on scripting satellite procedures, developing operational tooling, and enabling scalable, reliable constellation operations.

This position plays a key role in shaping the day‑to‑day function of the Satellite Operations Center (SOC) and its evolution over the lifetime of the constellation. The engineer will provide operational insight into system design while building the automation and procedures used on orbit.

Key Responsibilities

Mission Operations & SOC Development

• 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 scalability initiatives with a strong automation focus.
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot SOC operations tools and environments.

Procedure Development & Automation

• Develop, test, and validate satellite operations procedures, sequences of events, and command scripts.
• Script and automate satellite command and control procedures using Python or similar scripting languages.
• Create telemetry validation logic and expected response checks for automated and manual operations.
• Improve and update procedures based on on‑orbit performance and lessons learned.

Operations Software & Tooling

• Design, develop, and maintain custom mission operations tools and automation scripts.
• Develop lightweight applications and tooling to support on‑orbit operations, monitoring, and analysis.
• Build or enhance dashboards, visualization tools, and operator interfaces.
• Integrate internal and external APIs into mission operations workflows.

Integration, Test, and Readiness

• Support system‑level integration testing and end‑to‑end testing between the SOC and factory satellite.
• Participate in operations tests, simulations, rehearsals, and readiness activities.
• Support mission operations during LEOP and other critical events, potentially including periodic rotating shifts.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with systems engineers, flight software, ground software teams, and external vendors.
• Support requirements development, architecture reviews, design reviews, and program milestones.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to mission operations team members.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering or STEM-related field.

Experience

Minimum of 2–5+ years in spacecraft mission operations, software development, or automation.

Required Qualifications

• Experience scripting operational procedures or automation workflows using Python or similar.
• Familiarity with satellite command and control operations and mission operations processes.
• Comfortable working in a Windows development and operations environment.
• Experience with AWS or other cloud environments.
• Familiarity with Git or other version control tools.
• Familiarity with Jira and Confluence.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate in a fast‑paced environment with evolving requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multi‑satellite LEO constellations.
• Experience developing or operating automated mission operations systems.
• Familiarity with distributed systems, networking protocols, and API integrations.
• Experience developing telemetry displays, dashboards, or operator interfaces.
• Basic experience with databases or data persistence systems.
• Systems engineering experience or coursework (requirements, architecture, I\&T).
• Experience supporting mission rehearsals, simulations, or critical on‑orbit operations.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate within cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Self‑starter with strong ownership and initiative.
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and in high‑pressure operational environments.
• Strong operational mindset with a bias toward automation and reliability.

Technology Stack

• Python or similar scripting languages.
• AWS or equivalent cloud platforms.
• Windows OS (operations and development environment).
• Git / version control systems.
• Atlassian suite (Jira, Confluence).
• APIs for workflow integration.
• Basic database tools or persistence technologies (preferred).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment.
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods.
• Availability for periodic rotating shifts during critical mission operations, if required.

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. 

Position Overview

We are seeking a Payload Operations Engineer responsible for performing all activities required to operate AST satellite payload subsystems in support of constellation service and in‑orbit testing. This is a day‑staff shift position supporting each AST Satellite Operations Center (SOC), with occasional weekend, holiday, and on‑call support to ensure 24×7 payload coverage.

Key Responsibilities

• Support development of payload operations tools to enable efficient and automated payload tasks.
• Operate payload tools to generate configuration items required for in‑orbit testing (IOT) and commercial service.
• Monitor automated service/testing processes and analyze results through telemetry and log evaluation.
• Coordinate payload system configuration changes to maintain commercial service levels.
• Collaborate with tool developers to implement functionality updates and payload software improvements.
• Troubleshoot issues in coordination with SOC, Network Operations Center (NOC), and subsystem engineering teams.
• Monitor and process payload subsystem telemetry to maintain state of health, including power, thermal, and RF performance.
• Maintain situational awareness of satellite, payload, and ground segment configuration and status.
• Operate SOC operations software tools and support development of automated operational tools.
• Participate in daily shift handover briefings.
• Support mission product development including procedure creation, testing, and validation.
• Contribute to system readiness activities, planning, and preparation for satellite in‑orbit milestones.
• Attend required training sessions, simulations, rehearsals, conferences, and program reviews.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field.

Experience

A minimum of 0–2 years of engineering or relevant technical experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience and/or a Master’s degree.
• Experience working with satellite communication payloads.
• Multi‑satellite LEO constellation operations experience.
• Demonstrated ability to define or refine concepts of operations (ConOps).
• Familiarity with version control software, preferably Git.
• Experience with Atlassian tools such as Jira and Confluence.
• Programming experience in at least one modern language (Java, Python, MATLAB, C, etc.).

Soft Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy of documentation, telemetry assessment, and operational deliverables.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in an environment with rapidly evolving system requirements.

Technology Stack

• Engineering analysis tools
• Payload operations software and SOC automation tools
• Version control systems (Git preferred)
• Atlassian suite (Jira, Confluence)
• Programming languages: Java, Python, MATLAB, C, or similar

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office or operations center environment.
• Ability to use a computer and operations consoles for extended periods.
• Ability to support occasional shift work, including weekends, holidays, and on‑call rotations as required for 24×7 support.

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. 

Position Overview

We are seeking a Payload Operations Engineer responsible for operating AST satellite payload subsystems to support constellation service and in-orbit testing. This is primarily a day-staff shift position at the AST Satellite Operations Centers (SOCs), with occasional weekend, holiday, and on-call support to provide 24x7 payload operations.

Key Responsibilities

Payload Operations & Monitoring

• Operate payload tools to create configuration items required for in-orbit testing (IOT) and commercial service.

• Monitor service/test automation and analyze results through telemetry and log evaluation.

• Coordinate payload system configuration changes to maintain commercial service levels.

• Monitor and process payload subsystem telemetry data to ensure subsystem health, including power, thermal, and RF performance.

• Maintain situational awareness of satellite, payload, and ground configuration and status.

Tool & Software Support

• Support development of payload operations tools for efficient automated tasks.

• Work with tool developers for functionality updates and payload software updates.

• Operate SOC operations software tools.

• Support development of automated operations tools.

Coordination & Troubleshooting

• Coordinate troubleshooting with SOC, Network Operations Center (NOC), and subsystem engineers to resolve service issues.

• Participate in daily shift handover briefings.

• Support mission product development including procedure development, testing, and validation.

• Support system readiness, planning, and preparation for satellite in-orbit milestones.

• Attend required training sessions, simulations, rehearsals, conferences, and program reviews.

Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• A minimum of 0–2 years (or equivalent experience); Master’s degree or additional experience preferred.

• Technical understanding of satellite system architecture and subsystem functionality.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in an evolving system environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with satellite communication payloads.

• Multi-satellite LEO constellation experience.

• Demonstrated ability to drive requirements for concepts of operation.

• Familiarity with version control software (preferably Git) and Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence).

• Programming experience in at least one modern language such as Java, Python, Matlab, or C#.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• High level of problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to adapt to rapidly evolving system requirements.

Technology Stack:

• SOC operations software tools.

• Payload automation and telemetry analysis tools.

• Engineering analysis tools, version control systems, programming languages (Python, Java, Matlab, C#).

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in an office and SOC environment.

• Legally able to work in Spain.

• Ability to participate in shift work, including occasional weekends, holidays, and on-call periods.

• Ability to use a computer for extended periods.

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. 

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled MOPS Software Development Intern to support development, automation, and software validation activities within the Mission Operations (MOPS) team.

The intern will contribute to automated testing, CI/CD pipeline enhancements, documentation of current and historical automation products, and forward‑looking infrastructure design efforts. This role is ideal for a junior‑level Computer Science or Aerospace Engineering student with strong coding skills—particularly in Python.

This is a 14-week internship beginning 05/18/2026 at our Lanham, MD location.  To be considered for the internship you must be enrolled in the following semester. If you are a recent graduate, please apply to one of our full-time roles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop automated code test coverage for:
  • Automated Procedure Scripts
  • Ground Automation Tasks
  • Mission Operations Tools
• Perform retrofit work to modernize historical vehicle automation to current tool design standards
• Implement advanced CI/CD pipelines and assist in adopting modern DevOps practices
• Generate comprehensive, organized documentation for both current and legacy codebases
• Support senior engineers in designing future-facing automation and infrastructure (3-, 6-, and 12‑month horizons)
  • Conduct design studies for advanced monitoring capabilities
  • Contribute to design document development
• Collaborate with cross-functional software and operations teams to support automation enhancements and software validation activities

Qualifications

Education:

Pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Aerospace Engineering (with strong coding experience required)

Experience:

• Strong Python programming skills
• Experience with additional programming languages is beneficial
• Junior‑level academic experience preferred

Preferred Qualifications:

• Junior in college preferred; strong sophomores will also be considered
• Strong proficiency in Python
• Experience with C++ or multi‑language coding environments
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools and DevOps workflows
• Exposure to automated testing frameworks or software validation practices
• Ability to understand and modernize legacy codebases

Soft Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Ability to work effectively within cross‑functional teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Meticulous attention to detail for documentation and code quality
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to learn new technologies, tools, and development practices quickly

Technology Stack:

• Python (required)
• C++ (preferred)
• CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub/GitLab CI)
• Git version control
• Automated testing frameworks
• Documentation tools (Markdown, Confluence, or similar)
• Additional tooling related to satellite operations automation and ground systems

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a standard office or hybrid environment
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods
• Ability to participate in virtual or in‑person meetings and technical discussions

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.