Senior Lab Engineer

AST SpaceMobile•Lanham, MD

About The Position

AST SpaceMobile is building SpaceMobile, a space-based cellular broadband network designed to provide 4G/5G connectivity to standard smartphones around the world. The Senior Lab Engineer operates and maintains acceptance-lab infrastructure and prepares test environments, installs builds, executes standardized test packs, captures telemetry, and preserves golden configurations to support repeatable, auditable certification workflows. The role ensures work follows established tools, safety standards, and documentation practices. The engineer runs scripted test cases, performs CIQ and integrity checks, logs defects, manages lab equipment, and publishes results and artifacts aligned with acceptance criteria, OSS integration points, and NOC handover requirements. The work supports beta cycles and commercial launches and requires precision, procedural discipline, and attention to safety and quality standards. The role is based in the US and may involve occasional travel for equipment installation and cross-site testing coordination, estimated at approximately 10–20%.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related technical field.
At least 5 years of experience in telecommunications or satellite communications testing environments, including hands-on lab operations.
Demonstrated experience with test execution, lab infrastructure management, and certification processes.
Proven experience with scripted testing, automated test execution, and defect-tracking processes.
Strong understanding of test execution methodologies and lab infrastructure operations in satellite or telecommunications environments.
Proficiency in telemetry collection, performance monitoring, and data analysis for network validation.
Knowledge of configuration management, version control, and lab environment management.
Expertise in scripted test execution, automated testing frameworks, and manual testing procedures.
Strong defect identification, documentation, and tracking skills, including detailed technical analysis.
Experience with CIQ processes and acceptance-testing standards in telecommunications and satellite industries.
Excellent technical documentation skills for test procedures, results analysis, and certification evidence.
Clear communication skills for technical reporting to engineering teams and NOC personnel.
Strong attention to detail in test records and compliance documentation.
Ability to work in lab environments with technical equipment while following safety protocols.
Ability to travel occasionally for equipment installation and cross-site testing coordination; estimated travel is approximately 10–20%.

Nice To Haves

Experience in satellite communications testing, particularly LEO/MEO/GEO systems and satellite-cellular integration.
Background in acceptance testing, CIQ processes, or certification workflows at operators or equipment vendors.
Familiarity with NOC operational procedures and OSS integration requirements.

Responsibilities

Operate acceptance-lab infrastructure and ensure availability for scheduled certification testing.
Prepare lab environments by configuring setups, verifying connectivity, and aligning systems with test requirements.
Install builds and software releases using established version-control and configuration-management procedures.
Maintain golden configurations to enable repeatable baseline setups and consistent test execution.
Manage servers, test devices, measurement tools, and other lab equipment to ensure performance and availability.
Execute test packs according to procedures and acceptance criteria, covering functional and performance requirements.
Run scripted tests in automated and manual environments and maintain detailed execution logs.
Capture telemetry and performance data during testing for collection and analysis of system metrics.
Perform CIQ checks to validate compliance with technical specifications and customer requirements.
Log defects with reproduction steps, evidence, and impact assessments.
Publish test results and artifacts with documentation of outcomes and certification evidence.
Support repeatable, auditable certification workflows and comply with quality standards.
Ensure safety compliance in lab operations according to industry standards and company policies.
Align validation activities with acceptance criteria and quality thresholds for each test cycle.
Support OSS integration points by providing properly formatted lab results and data.
Support NOC handovers with test evidence, configuration documentation, and operational-readiness artifacts.
Support beta cycles and launches through targeted testing, configuration validation, and deployment evidence.
Collaborate with test engineering, NOC, quality assurance and certification, software development, infrastructure and DevOps, and integration teams.