RF Test Engineer
AST 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 Overview
We 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 Responsibilities
- Bring up, commission, and validate RF automated test systems used for communications hardware testing
- Qualify and verify RF test system performance against engineering specifications and operational requirements
- Provide design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) feedback during product and test system development
- Monitor and analyze RF performance metrics, identifying trends, anomalies, and outliers that may impact product quality or manufacturing efficiency
- Generate routine reports detailing 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 cross-functional teams including production, test engineering, manufacturing, and hardware development groups
- Assist with the development and deployment of new RF test methodologies, procedures, and validation processes
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives for RF test workflows, automation processes, and operational efficiency
- Ensure compliance with established quality standards and testing procedures
- Support the successful transfer of new products and technologies from development into production
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of experience testing RF communications, wireless systems, radar systems, or related technologies
- At 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 operations
- Experience troubleshooting RF systems and interpreting test results to identify performance issues
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting aerospace, satellite communications, wireless communications, or other high-reliability electronic systems
- Experience developing or deploying automated RF testing solutions
- Familiarity with design-for-test (DFT) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) methodologies
- Experience analyzing RF performance trends and manufacturing yield metrics
- Experience working 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
Soft Skills:
- Strong sense of 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
Technology Stack:
- RF automated test equipment (ATE)
- Vector Network Analyzers (VNA)
- Spectrum Analyzers
- Signal Generators
- RF calibration and validation tools
- RF test methodologies including gain, loss, noise figure, linearity, flatness, and intermodulation measurements
- Data analysis and reporting tools
- Manufacturing and engineering test platforms
- Microsoft Office Suite
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a laboratory and office environment while using a computer for extended periods
- Ability to perform hands-on work with RF test equipment, hardware systems, and automated test platforms
- Ability to review technical documentation, engineering reports, and test data
- Ability to work onsite a minimum of four days per week, with remote work flexibility based on business needs
- Ability to support laboratory-based testing and troubleshooting activities as required
- May require standing, walking, and moving equipment within a laboratory environment
This 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.