Principal Systems 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.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Lead Launch Vehicle Systems Engineer to serve as AST's primary technical interface to our launch vehicle providers. Based near Cape Canaveral, FL and working remotely, this role owns launch vehicle interface definition and ICDs, integration of our spacecraft with multiple launch vehicles, and serves as AST's technical authority at the launch site through campaign execution and launch.
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience integrating spacecraft with launch vehicles, from interface definition through launch-site operations, and is comfortable making real-time technical decisions in the field. They thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and work effectively with providers, ranges, and internal teams across multiple sites.
Key Responsibilities:
Serve as the lead technical interface between AST and launch vehicle providers, representing AST in technical interchange meetings, working groups, and mission integration reviews.
Serve as AST's technical authority at the launch site, leading spacecraft processing, integration, and encapsulation.
Own, negotiate, and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and related interface requirements between the spacecraft and launch vehicles, managing changes through formal configuration control.
Lead launch vehicle compatibility and coordinate integration analyses, including mass properties, structural loads and coupled loads analysis, environments, thermal, RF, electrical, and separation and deployment.
Define and track launch-related requirements, verification plans, and mission assurance deliverables, and ensure launch vehicle requirements flow down into spacecraft and ground design.
Support launch vehicle provider evaluation and selection, including technical assessments, 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.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field required;
Experience:
A minimum of 8 years of aerospace systems engineering experience, with 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
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with multiple launch vehicles or launch providers.
Experience serving as launch site or campaign technical lead for a spacecraft or large constellation.
Familiarity with range safety processes and requirements (e.g., SSCMAN 91-710) and launch site facilities at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center.
Soft Skills: