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.