AST SpaceMobile

Satellite Operations Engineer

Lanham, Maryland, United States

Full Time

19 days ago

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Job description

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.

Summary:

The Satellite Operations Engineer performs all activities required to operate the AST satellites in low earth orbit (LEO). This is a real-time shift position to support 24x7 operations during daytime hours in the Lanham, MD Satellite Operations Center (SOC). This position also supports mission operations development tasks. The AST SpaceMobile system focuses on automation, so this position must understand the underlying tools used for satellite command and control operations, ground network operations, mission planning, flight dynamics and other applications used to operate and manage the AST satellite constellation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Execute planned tasks for LEO satellite operations from the SOC in a shift environment
Coordinate with the satellite and the ground network to configure ground equipment to execute scheduled satellite contacts (pre-pass, pass, and post-pass)
Execute satellite procedures and upload satellite commands according to contact planning schedule and verify satellite response
Monitor and process satellite telemetry data and monitor satellite subsystem state of health
Maintain situational awareness of satellite and ground station configuration and status
Respond to satellite, ground systems and network alarms
Provide triage support to satellite and ground system anomalies, collect data, call in engineers and support the anomaly resolution team as required
Operate SOC operations software tools
Participate in daily shift handover briefings
Support mission product development including procedure development, test, and validation
Support system readiness, planning, and preparation for satellite launch
Attend required and routine training sessions, simulations, rehearsals, conferences, and program reviews

Minimum Qualifications:

US Citizen or Permanent Resident Card Holder
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work odd and/or extended hours covering a 24/7 period and periodic rotating shifts
Strong technical background
Ability to work to tight deadlines in high stress environments
Ability to work in a team with diversified individuals with varying backgrounds to achieve mission success
Ability to work in an environment with rapidly evolving system requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

2+ years' experience, and/or Masters/PhD degree
Familiarity with satellite command and control operations software and products
LEO satellite operations experience including launch, in-orbit test, orbital maneuvers, commissioning, and deorbit
Multi-satellite LEO constellation operations experience
Experience developing mission products including procedures and command scripts using script languages such as Python and Ruby
System engineering experience or significant classwork in system engineering or system design

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.