Electrical Harness Engineer

AST SpaceMobile•Lanham, MD

16d

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. Position Overview We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Electrical Harness Engineer to join our dynamic team working on state-of-the-art Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems. In this role, you will design, develop, and integrate electrical harnesses that form the backbone of the satellite’s electrical system, ensuring reliable and efficient power and data transfer for successful missions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in electrical harness design for aerospace or space applications.
Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving abilities.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation and design.
CAD tools: AutoCAD, CATIA, NX.
Electrical simulation tools: SPICE, MATLAB.
Familiarity with harness design standards and schematic capture tools.
Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
Occasional hands-on work in lab environments for testing and validation.

Nice To Haves

D. in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering with a focus on harness design.
Experience with high-reliability harness design for small satellites, CubeSats, or nano/microsatellites.
Knowledge of space-rated materials and manufacturing processes.
Familiarity with thermal analysis and thermal management techniques.
Previous work with major space agencies or satellite manufacturers.

Responsibilities

Design and develop electrical harnesses for LEO satellite systems, considering mission requirements, space constraints, thermal considerations, and EMC requirements.
Collaborate with system engineers, electrical designers, and mechanical engineers to define harness specifications and design constraints.
Create and manage detailed harness drawings, including cable/wire routing, connector selection, splicing, and termination plans using CAD tools.
Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., IPC-WHMA-A-620, ECSS-E-HB-10-10) and space agency requirements.
Conduct analyses and simulations to verify mechanical integrity, electrical performance, and environmental resistance.
Support fabrication, assembly, and testing of harnesses, providing guidance to ensure quality and adherence to specifications.
Perform in-house testing and validation, including continuity checks, insulation resistance, and signal integrity testing.
Collaborate with suppliers to source space-qualified components while maintaining cost-effectiveness and schedule adherence.
Document all design and testing activities, including procedures, reports, and design changes.
Participate in design reviews and cross-functional meetings, providing technical insights for optimization.
Assist in troubleshooting harness-related issues during integration, testing, and in-orbit operations.
Stay current with advancements in harness technologies and explore opportunities for innovation.