Job Description

RF Test EngineerAST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced and driven RF Test Engineer to support the development, deployment, validation, and optimization of advanced RF automated test systems for next-generation communications hardware. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with close collaboration across engineering, production, and test development teams to ensure high-performance RF products are successfully validated and transitioned into manufacturing environments.The ideal candidate will play a key role in the design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) process by providing technical input throughout the product development lifecycle. This position is responsible for RF automated test equipment (ATE) commissioning, performance validation, KPI monitoring, troubleshooting, and trend analysis while serving as a bridge between production operations, test engineering, and hardware development teams.Key ResponsibilitiesBring up, commission, and validate RF automated test systems used for communications hardware testingQualify and verify RF test system performance against engineering specifications and operational requirementsProvide design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) feedback during product and test system developmentMonitor and analyze RF performance metrics, identifying trends, anomalies, and outliers that may impact product quality or manufacturing efficiencyGenerate routine reports detailing RF test results, performance indicators, risks, and recommendationsPerform hands-on calibration, validation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of RF automated test systemsSupport root cause investigations of RF performance issues across test, manufacturing, and engineering environmentsCollaborate with cross-functional teams including production, test engineering, manufacturing, and hardware development groupsAssist with the development and deployment of new RF test methodologies, procedures, and validation processesDrive continuous improvement initiatives for RF test workflows, automation processes, and operational efficiencyEnsure compliance with established quality standards and testing proceduresSupport the successful transfer of new products and technologies from development into productionQualificationsEducation:Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics, or a related technical disciplineEquivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be consideredExperience:Minimum 5 years of experience testing RF communications, wireless systems, radar systems, or related technologiesAt least 3 years of hands-on experience working with RF laboratory test equipment and automated test equipment (ATE)Experience supporting product validation, manufacturing test environments, or production test operationsExperience troubleshooting RF systems and interpreting test results to identify performance issuesPreferred Qualifications:Experience supporting aerospace, satellite communications, wireless communications, or other high-reliability electronic systemsExperience developing or deploying automated RF testing solutionsFamiliarity with design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) methodologiesExperience analyzing RF performance trends and manufacturing yield metricsExperience working in high-volume production or advanced engineering laboratory environmentsUnderstanding of quality systems, process control methodologies, and continuous improvement practicesKnowledge of RF subsystem integration and validation processesSoft Skills:Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and executionAbility to work independently while managing multiple prioritiesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration abilitiesAnalytical mindset with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsAttention to detail and commitment to technical accuracyAbility to identify risks and proactively drive solutionsSelf-motivated with a continuous improvement mindsetTechnology Stack:RF automated test equipment (ATE)Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)Spectrum AnalyzersSignal GeneratorsRF calibration and validation toolsRF test methodologies including gain, loss, noise figure, linearity, flatness, and intermodulation measurementsData analysis and reporting toolsManufacturing and engineering test platformsMicrosoft Office SuitePhysical Requirements:Ability to work in a laboratory and office environment while using a computer for extended periodsAbility to perform hands-on work with RF test equipment, hardware systems, and automated test platformsAbility to review technical documentation, engineering reports, and test dataAbility to work onsite a minimum of four days per week, with remote work flexibility based on business needsAbility to support laboratory-based testing and troubleshooting activities as requiredMay require standing, walking, and moving equipment within a laboratory environmentThis job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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