Mission Operations Development Engineer

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today's five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Mission Operations Development Engineer to develop, automate, and maintain the mission operations processes, tools, and procedures required for successful operation of the AST SpaceMobile satellite constellation. This role combines mission operations engineering with software-driven automation, with a strong focus on scripting satellite procedures, developing operational tooling, and enabling scalable, reliable constellation operations.

This position plays a key role in shaping the day‑to‑day function of the Satellite Operations Center (SOC) and its evolution over the lifetime of the constellation. The engineer will provide operational insight into system design while building the automation and procedures used on orbit.

Key Responsibilities

Mission Operations & SOC Development

• Develop and evolve mission operations processes and concepts of operations (ConOps) across all mission phases (LEOP, commissioning, routine operations).
• Perform trade studies on SOC software tools and operational architectures.
• Support SOC system design, integration, and scalability initiatives with a strong automation focus.
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot SOC operations tools and environments.

Procedure Development & Automation

• Develop, test, and validate satellite operations procedures, sequences of events, and command scripts.
• Script and automate satellite command and control procedures using Python or similar scripting languages.
• Create telemetry validation logic and expected response checks for automated and manual operations.
• Improve and update procedures based on on‑orbit performance and lessons learned.

Operations Software & Tooling

• Design, develop, and maintain custom mission operations tools and automation scripts.
• Develop lightweight applications and tooling to support on‑orbit operations, monitoring, and analysis.
• Build or enhance dashboards, visualization tools, and operator interfaces.
• Integrate internal and external APIs into mission operations workflows.

Integration, Test, and Readiness

• Support system‑level integration testing and end‑to‑end testing between the SOC and factory satellite.
• Participate in operations tests, simulations, rehearsals, and readiness activities.
• Support mission operations during LEOP and other critical events, potentially including periodic rotating shifts.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with systems engineers, flight software, ground software teams, and external vendors.
• Support requirements development, architecture reviews, design reviews, and program milestones.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to mission operations team members.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or STEM-related field.

Experience

Minimum of 2-5+ years in spacecraft mission operations, software development, or automation.

Required Qualifications

• Experience scripting operational procedures or automation workflows using Python or similar.
• Familiarity with satellite command and control operations and mission operations processes.
• Comfortable working in a Windows development and operations environment.
• Experience with AWS or other cloud environments.
• Familiarity with Git or other version control tools.
• Familiarity with Jira and Confluence.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate in a fast‑paced environment with evolving requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multi‑satellite LEO constellations.
• Experience developing or operating automated mission operations systems.
• Familiarity with distributed systems, networking protocols, and API integrations.
• Experience developing telemetry displays, dashboards, or operator interfaces.
• Basic experience with databases or data persistence systems.
• Systems engineering experience or coursework (requirements, architecture, I\&T).
• Experience supporting mission rehearsals, simulations, or critical on‑orbit operations.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate within cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Self‑starter with strong ownership and initiative.
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and in high‑pressure operational environments.
• Strong operational mindset with a bias toward automation and reliability.

Technology Stack

• Python or similar scripting languages.
• AWS or equivalent cloud platforms.
• Windows OS (operations and development environment).
• Git / version control systems.
• Atlassian suite (Jira, Confluence).
• APIs for workflow integration.
• Basic database tools or persistence technologies (preferred).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment.
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods.
• Availability for periodic rotating shifts during critical mission operations, if required.

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.

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