About the job
AST SpaceMobile is pioneering the world’s first global cellular broadband network in space, designed to interface seamlessly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. Our extensive intellectual property and patent portfolio supports both commercial and government applications. Our dedicated engineers and space scientists strive to bridge the connectivity divide faced by over five billion mobile subscribers, ultimately aiming to provide broadband access to billions who remain unconnected.
Position Overview
The Engineering Development Program (EDP) is tailored for outstanding recent graduates eager to embark on a career as spacecraft engineers, starting with a deep understanding of satellite construction.
Participants will kick off their careers directly on the spacecraft production floor as Engineering Technicians focused on Environmental Test Operations. This role offers invaluable hands-on experience in integrating and testing subsystems and satellites, ensuring the qualification and validation of AST SpaceMobile’s satellite systems.
As participants showcase their technical skills and leadership potential, they will advance through a structured career development pathway:
Engineering Technician → Engineering Technician Supervisor → Associate Engineer
This program offers a unique opportunity to cultivate engineers who possess comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft hardware, blending practical spacecraft assembly experience, early leadership growth, and a smooth transition into engineering roles.
Participants will engage in testing flight hardware, lead technical teams, and contribute to large-scale spacecraft production.
Key Responsibilities
Phase 1 – Engineering Technician
Participants commence the program by directly working with spacecraft hardware to support environmental testing, which encompasses Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), Vibration, Shock, and Acoustics.
Responsibilities include:
- Executing Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing, including chamber setup, instrumentation routing, leak checks, pump-down operations, and test monitoring.
- Operating vibration test systems (sine, random, shock) including fixture setup, software configuration, and accelerometer instrumentation.
- Conducting environmental screening on subassemblies (thermal cycling, burn-in, thermal balance, etc.).
- Installing, routing, and verifying test instrumentation, including thermocouples and accelerometers.
- Validating data acquisition system (DAS) configurations for precise sensor readings.
- Documenting test procedures and outcomes.

