Mission Operations Development Engineer

Summary

Join AST SpaceMobile and help build the world's first space-based cellular broadband network! As a Mission Operations Development Engineer, you will develop processes, tools, and procedures for operating our satellite constellation. You'll be instrumental in designing and developing the Satellite Operations Center (SOC) and its mission operations products. This role requires a strong focus on automation and collaboration with systems engineers and vendors. You will develop and test mission operations procedures, support system integration tests, and mentor the mission operations team. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in systems engineering and experience with satellite operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field
• 2-5+ years' experience is preferred
• Comfortable working in a Windows environment
• Multi-satellite LEO constellation experience
• Demonstrated ability to drive requirements for concepts of operation
• Familiarity with version control software, preferably Git
• Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence)
• Experience programming with at least one modern language such as Java, Python, Matlab, C#
• Comfortable working on applications deployed in AWS
• Experience developing mission products including procedures and command scripts using script languages such as Python and Ruby
• Familiarity with satellite command and control operations software and products
• Familiarity with engineering analysis tools
• System engineering experience or significant classwork in system engineering or system design
• Support of readiness activities including end-to-end tests and mission rehearsals
• Demonstrated ability to work independently when necessary
• High level of problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to work in an environment with rapidly evolving system requirements
• Self-starter willing to take ownership and initiative
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Ability to work in a remote, distributed team with diversified individuals with varying backgrounds to achieve mission success
• Ability to work to tight deadlines in high stress environments

Responsibilities

• Perform trade studies on Satellite Operations Center (SOC) operations software tools
• Develop operations processes that evolve throughout the lifetime of the AST SpaceMobile constellation
• Support development of automated operations tools
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot SOC operations tools
• Work with systems engineers and vendors to develop operational products required for launch & early orbit phase (LEOP), on-orbit checkout, commissioning, and operation of satellites
• Develop and test mission operations procedures, sequences of events, telemetry displays , and other mission operations products
• Develop, test, and validate SOC procedures and processes
• Support system-level integration tests and end-to-end tests between the SOC and factory satellite
• Support mission readiness activities including operations tests, mission simulations, and rehearsals
• Support the mission operations team during LEOP and critical on-orbit activities, including possible periodic rotating shifts
• Modify existing operations procedures and processes to incorporate lessons learned from on-orbit performance
• Support system development activities such as design reviews, readiness reviews, requirements management, architecture development, integration & test, and formal program milestones
• Provide mentoring and guidance to the mission operations team