Automation Engineer

AST SpaceMobile•Dallas, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

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. We are seeking an Automation Engineer – PAM Team to design, develop, and maintain automated test and verification frameworks for embedded hardware and software systems. This role focuses on ensuring reliability, performance, and quality across all phases of system development and integration. The Automation Engineer will work closely with development, integration, and service enablement teams, supporting system-level testing in both lab and integration environments. This position requires a strong combination of software engineering, test automation, and hands-on hardware experience to validate complex, mission-critical systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
A minimum of 4+ years of experience in software development, automation, or embedded systems testing
Strong hands-on experience with Python development
Experience working with embedded systems and low-level debugging
Familiarity with communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, or CAN

Nice To Haves

Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing environments
Hands-on experience working in lab environments with hardware systems
Experience integrating and validating hardware in test setups
Familiarity with containerization tools (e.g., Docker)
Knowledge of Linux systems and scripting (Bash or equivalent)
Experience with data analysis tools for test results and telemetry evaluation
Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and automated testing workflows
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional environments
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
High attention to detail, especially in mission-critical or quality-sensitive environments
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Adaptability in fast-paced and evolving technical environments

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks for embedded systems
Support system-level testing across development, integration, and validation phases
Develop and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test workflows
Build and maintain automated regression test suites to ensure system stability
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, software, and integration engineers
Debug and troubleshoot system-level issues across hardware and software interfaces
Develop test scripts and tools using Python and modern test frameworks
Support integration and commissioning of new hardware into test environments
Maintain lab setups, including configuring hardware components and resolving connectivity issues
Contribute to continuous integration and automated testing pipelines
Document test procedures, results, and system interfaces clearly and accurately
Support service enablement and deployment activities by ensuring system readiness