RF Test Engineer

AST SpaceMobile • Midland, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

AST SpaceMobile is developing SpaceMobile, a space-based cellular broadband network intended to provide 4G/5G connectivity to standard smartphones around the world. The RF Test Engineer supports development, deployment, validation, and optimization of automated RF test systems for next-generation communications hardware. The role combines hands-on technical work with collaboration across engineering, production, and test development teams to validate RF products and transition them into manufacturing.

The engineer contributes to design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) throughout the product development lifecycle. Responsibilities include commissioning and validating RF automated test equipment (ATE), monitoring performance indicators, troubleshooting systems, analyzing trends, and supporting the transfer of products from development into production.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline; an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.
• At least 5 years of experience testing RF communications, wireless systems, radar systems, or related technologies.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience with RF laboratory test equipment and automated test equipment (ATE).
• Experience supporting product validation, manufacturing test environments, or production test operations.
• Experience troubleshooting RF systems and interpreting test results to identify performance issues.
• Strong ownership, accountability, and execution.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Analytical mindset with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy.
• Ability to identify risks and proactively drive solutions.
• Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting aerospace, satellite communications, wireless communications, or other high-reliability electronic systems.
• Experience developing or deploying automated RF testing solutions.
• Familiarity with DFT and DFM methodologies.
• Experience analyzing RF performance trends and manufacturing yield metrics.
• Experience in high-volume production or advanced engineering laboratory environments.
• Understanding of quality systems, process control methodologies, and continuous improvement practices.
• Knowledge of RF subsystem integration and validation processes.

Responsibilities

• Bring up, commission, and validate RF automated test systems used to test communications hardware.
• Qualify and verify RF test system performance against engineering specifications and operational requirements.
• Provide DFT and DFM feedback during product and test system development.
• Monitor and analyze RF performance metrics, identifying trends, anomalies, and outliers that could affect product quality or manufacturing efficiency.
• Generate routine reports on RF test results, performance indicators, risks, and recommendations.
• Perform hands-on calibration, validation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of RF automated test systems.
• Support root-cause investigations of RF performance issues across test, manufacturing, and engineering environments.
• Collaborate with production, test engineering, manufacturing, and hardware development teams.
• Assist with development and deployment of RF test methodologies, procedures, and validation processes.
• Drive continuous improvement in RF test workflows, automation, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with established quality standards and testing procedures.
• Support transfer of new products and technologies from development into production.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level