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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 24×7 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.
