Engineering Development Program (EDP) – Environmental Test

<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p></div><p><strong>Position Overview</strong></p> <p>The Engineering Development Program (EDP) is designed for exceptional recent graduates who want to become spacecraft engineers by first learning how satellites are physically built.</p> <p>Participants in this program will begin their careers working directly on the spacecraft production floor as <strong>Engineering Technicians supporting Environmental Test Operations</strong>. In this role, participants will gain hands-on experience integrating and testing subsystems and satellites to qualify and validate AST SpaceMobile satellites.</p> <p>As participants demonstrate technical capability and leadership potential, they will progress through a structured development path:</p> <p><strong>Engineering Technician → Engineering Technician Supervisor → Associate Engineer</strong></p> <p>This program provides a rare opportunity to develop engineers who understand spacecraft hardware from the ground up—combining <strong>hands-on spacecraft assembly experience, early leadership development, and a clear transition into an engineering role.</strong></p> <p>Participants will gain direct experience testing flight hardware, leading technical teams, and supporting spacecraft production at scale.</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <p><strong>Phase 1 – Engineering Technician</strong></p> <p>Participants begin the program working directly with spacecraft hardware supporting environmental test which includes Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), Vibration, Shock and Acoustics.</p> <p>Responsibilities include:</p> <ul> <li>Perform Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing, including chamber setup, instrumentation routing, leak checks, pump-down operations, and test monitoring.</li> <li>Operate vibration test systems (sine, random, shock) including fixture setup, software configuration, and accelerometer instrumentation.</li> <li>Conduct environmental screening on subassemblies (thermal cycling, burn-in, thermal balance, etc.).</li> <li>Install, route, and verify test instrumentation including thermocouples, accelerometers, etc.</li> <li>Validate data acquisition system (DAS) configuration and ensure accurate sensor readings.</li> <li>Document test results, anomalies, and configuration changes in accordance with engineering and quality standards.</li> <li>Support lifting, securing, and fixturing flight hardware using cranes, overhead hoists, and support equipment.</li> <li>Assist engineers in writing, reviewing, and updating test procedures and work instructions</li> </ul> <p>This phase focuses on developing a <strong>deep understanding of environmental test and proper flight hardware handling.</strong></p> <p><strong>Phase 2 – Engineering Technician Supervisor</strong></p> <p>After demonstrating strong technical performance and leadership capability, participants will transition into a supervisory role supporting solar array production operations.</p> <p>Responsibilities include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Lead Environmental Test Operations:</strong> Oversee daily activities including thermal-vacuum, vibr