Principal Systems Engineer at AST SpaceMobile in Titusville, FL

Job description

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. 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: Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to lead and influence launch providers, range and facility personnel, and internal teams without direct authority. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to brief technical and executive audiences and negotiate technical positions with external partners. Sound judgment and composure making technical decisions under schedule pressure and during launch campaigns. Comfort operating in ambiguity, able to define the path forward when requirements are incomplete or interfaces are still maturing. Meticulous attention to detail in ICDs, verification records, and launch documentation. Ability to manage multiple providers and competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-moving environment. Self-motivated and effective working independent