Sr. Spacecraft Vibration Test 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.

Job Description:

This position is based in Midland, Texas. The successful candidate will be a structural dynamics engineer with deep experience defining, directing and reporting on swept sine vibration testing of spacecraft.  This includes understanding how to specify test levels, instrumentation locations, and especially how to implement response and force limiting.  Understanding laboratory equipment used in this type of testing is mandatory.  Adjacent testing skills in random vibration, acoustic, and shock is valuable.  Some proficiency in Nastran analysis is desired.

AST is looking for talented professionals who are innovative, creative, and ready to challenge the status quo.  The successful candidate will have strong communication skills and be able to work independently on complex problems.

Responsibilities:

• Determine sine vibration base input levels and author sine vibration test plans


• Serve as Test Director for sine vibration testing; working with test lab personnel to ensure proper test runs are conducted in a timely manner


• Ability to work with existing team and learn current processes


• Report on testing, including preparing launch vehicle tailored summaries


• Prepare for test readiness by working across disciplines during the spacecraft integration


• Participate in material and failure review boards


• Compile lessons learned and lead continuous process improvement

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field


• Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience in swept sine vibration of spacecraft:




• Test Planning and Instrumentation selection


• Test Readiness


• Test Level definition


• Data Validation


• Base Input Control


• Notching and Overshoots


• Test Reporting




• Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team with other engineers.


• Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced environment.


• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.


• Must be a US Person for ITAR requirements

Minimum Technical Skillset:

• Strong knowledge of MS Excel and Matlab


• SDOF system response to vibration and other closed form techniques


• Very strong competency in MS Office tools


• Familiarity with Vibration Control


• Understanding of Accelerometers & Data Acquisition practices


• Data Validation in with time and frequency domain signals

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

• MS degree preferred focused in structural dynamics or a related specialty


• Ability to code in any number of languages or toolset API to automate rudimentary tasks and improve efficiency


• Experience leading random vibration testing


• Experience leading acoustic testing


• Experience leading shock testing


• Knowledge of and experience with determining environmental test criteria


• Basic Finite Element Analysis in Nastran

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.