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AST SpaceMobile is building the first global cellular broadband network in space, designed to operate directly with standard mobile devices for both commercial and government applications. The company is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to serve as the primary technical interface between AST and launch vehicle providers, owning all aspects of spacecraft-to-launch-vehicle integration from interface definition through launch-site operations.
This is a hybrid role based near Cape Canaveral, FL. While AST does not maintain an office in the area, the role requires a dedicated home office and reliable internet, with regular travel to launch sites, processing facilities, and launch vehicle provider locations during campaign execution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as lead technical interface to launch vehicle providers, representing AST in technical interchange meetings, working groups, and mission integration reviews
- Own, negotiate, and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and interface requirements between spacecraft and launch vehicles, managing changes through formal configuration control
- Lead launch vehicle compatibility analyses, including mass properties, structural loads, coupled loads analysis, environments, thermal, RF, electrical, separation, and deployment
- Define and track launch-related requirements, verification plans, and mission assurance deliverables; ensure launch vehicle requirements flow into spacecraft and ground design
- Support launch vehicle provider evaluation and selection, including technical assessments and trade studies
- Serve as AST's technical authority at the launch site, leading spacecraft processing, integration, encapsulation, and launch operations with launch vehicle, range, and facility teams
- Lead technical launch readiness reviews and provide go/no-go technical recommendations to AST leadership
- Work extended and irregular hours during launch campaigns; travel up to 20% to provider facilities, AST sites, customer meetings, and non-Florida launch sites
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field
- Minimum 8 years of aerospace systems engineering experience
- At least 3 years in launch vehicle integration, launch vehicle interface management, or launch site operations on at least one spacecraft or payload that has flown
- Ability to obtain and maintain access to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center
- U.S. person status required for access to export-controlled launch vehicle data
- Ability to work in cleanroom, hazardous operations, and outdoor environments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with multiple launch vehicles or launch providers
- Experience serving as launch site or campaign technical lead
