Position Overview

We are seeking a SoC Validation Engineer.

The Silicon Team in Edinburgh is a small, highly focused group responsible for developing high‑value silicon that is core to AST’s mission of “Connecting the unconnected”—delivering the world’s first space‑based mobile broadband network.

The team works collaboratively to define and build next‑generation silicon, exploring advanced silicon technologies to continuously improve performance, capability, and efficiency. This is a hands‑on environment where silicon decisions directly impact AST’s ability to deliver a global communications network from space.

In this role, the Validation Engineer will be responsible for defining, executing, and reporting on the validation of complex integrated circuit devices, working closely with System Definition, IC Design, and Software teams. This role spans pre‑silicon validation using FPGA prototypes through to post‑silicon bring‑up and system‑level validation, ensuring devices meet performance, functionality, and system integration requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with System Definition and IC Design teams to ensure devices are specified with optimal ball placement and external component selection to meet PCB technology and overall system requirements.
• Define and specify laboratory equipment and infrastructure required to effectively test and validate devices.
• Perform validation bring‑up using FPGA prototypes prior to IC manufacture.
• Define comprehensive validation test plans to validate IC performance either standalone or within a wider system, covering hardware, software, and RF aspects.
• Execute manual bring‑up and planned validation test activities, including fault isolation and debug.
• Define, develop, and implement regression and automation procedures to improve validation efficiency and coverage.
• Produce clear and concise validation reports for technical review and sign‑off.
• Support board‑level bring‑up and debug activities in collaboration with hardware and software teams.

Qualifications

Education:

BEng in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands‑on experience using laboratory equipment including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, network analyzers, and similar instrumentation.
• Practical experience with scripting or programming languages such as Python, Perl, C, or C++.
• Strong verbal communication and technical documentation skills.
• Experience working effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with DSP, wireless communication systems, and SerDes technologies.
• Experience validating complex System‑on‑Chip (SoC) designs involving embedded software.
• Background knowledge of RF fundamentals, antennas, and communication theory.

Soft Skills:

• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Strong technical documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to collaborate closely with System Definition, IC Design, Software, hardware, and validation teams.

Technology Stack:

• Laboratory validation equipment (spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, network analyzers).
• FPGA prototypes for pre‑silicon validation.
• Python, Perl, C, C++.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office and laboratory environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel may be required to visit suppliers, partners, or other AST SpaceMobile design centres.

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. 

We are seeking a highly skilled Quality Engineer with a background in electronics to join our growing Quality team. The role will focus on quality assurance of Spire’s electronic systems, ensuring the reliability and compliance, both within spacecraft hardware and ground-based supporting equipment. Alongside your specialism, you will also contribute across the broader quality domains including manufacturing, supplier quality, engineering, and process improvement. 

The Quality Engineer will collaborate closely with managers and team leads, to implement effective quality measures within their respective teams. 

To excel as a Quality Engineer at Spire, the ideal candidate will possess exceptional problem-solving abilities, ensuring that all processes and products consistently meet or exceed established quality standards. 

What You’ll Do as Quality Engineer:  

Electronics Quality (Primary Focus): 

• Develop and implement quality strategies for electronic assemblies & parts, covering internal developments, COTS components, PCBs, and embedded systems across the full product lifecycle.
• Co-ordinate and support engineering design, test, and manufacturing teams in conducting failure analyses, root-cause investigations, and corrective/preventive actions (e.g. RCA, 8D, 5-Why).
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on in-process quality performance.
• Provide quality oversight of electronic manufacturing processes, including soldering, PCB assembly, reflow, conformal coating, and component selection.
• Collaborate with design engineering to drive DFM, DFT, and reliability improvements. 

 Broader Quality Responsibilities: 

• Maintain and improve the organisation’s Quality Management System (ISO 9001, working towards AS9100).
• Support quality planning, audits, document control, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Chair cross-functional problem-solving activities across functional domains.
• Participate in supplier evaluations, audits, and ongoing performance management.
• Support production quality activities including first article inspections, process capability, and product acceptance (including environmental and reliability testing).
• Contribute to risk management and compliance across internal and external stakeholders. 

 Key Skills: 

• Degree in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Solid understanding of IPC standards (e.g. IPC-A-610, J-STD-001) and electronics manufacturing best practices.
• Strong experience in electronics manufacturing, quality engineering, or hardware reliability.
• Demonstrated use of quality management methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean, or 8D problem solving.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, BOMs, and test documentation.
• Experience working in a fast-paced engineering or high-reliability environment (space, aerospace, defence, or similar).
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across disciplines. 

 Preferred Skills: 

• Familiarity with high-reliability engineering or quality assurance standards used in regulated technical industries.
• Familiarity with incoming inspection processes for electronic components.
• Understanding of reliability testing methods (e.g. thermal cycling, vibration, HALT/HASS).
• Experience working with configuration management or document control systems.
• IPC-A-610 Certification.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying. #LI-MI