Automation Engineer

<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p></div><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Position Overview</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We are seeking an Automation Engineer – PAM Team to design, develop, and maintain automated test and verification frameworks for embedded hardware and software systems. This role focuses on ensuring reliability, performance, and quality across all phases of system development and integration.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Automation Engineer will work closely with development, integration, and service enablement teams, supporting system-level testing in both lab and integration environments. This position requires a strong combination of software engineering, test automation, and hands-on hardware experience to validate complex, mission-critical systems.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Key Responsibilities:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks for embedded systems</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Support system-level testing across development, integration, and validation phases</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Develop and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test workflows</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Build and maintain automated regression test suites to ensure system stability</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, software, and integration engineers</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Debug and troubleshoot system-level issues across hardware and software interfaces</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Develop test scripts and tools using Python and modern test frameworks</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Support integration and commissioning of new hardware into test environments</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Maintain lab setups, including configuring hardware components and resolving connectivity issues</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Contribute to continuous integration and automated testing pipelines</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Document test procedures, results, and system interfaces clearly and accurately</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Support service enablement and deployment activities by ensuring system readiness</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Qualifications</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Education:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Experience:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A minimum of 4+ years of experience in software development, automation, or embedded systems testing</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong hands-on experience with Python development</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience working with embedded systems and low-level debugging</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Familiarity with communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, or CAN</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Preferred Qualifications:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing environments</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hands-on experience working in lab environments with hardware systems</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience integrating and validating hardware in test setups</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Familiarity with containerization tools (e.g., Docker)</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowledge of Linux systems and scripting (Bash or equivalent)</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience with data analysis tools for test results and telemetry evaluation</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and automated testing workflows</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Soft Skills:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional environments</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Excellent written and verbal communication skills</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">High attention to detail, especially in mission-critical or quality-sensitive environments</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong problem-solving and analytical skills</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ability to work both independently and as part of a team</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Adaptability in fast-paced and evolving technical environments</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Technology Stack:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Programming: Python, scripting languages (e.g., Bash)</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Test frameworks: pytest, Robot Framework, or similar</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Version control: Git</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">CI/CD tools: Jenkins or similar platforms</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Containerization: Docker (preferred)</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Data analysis: pandas, numpy, or similar tools</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Embedded communication tools and interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN)</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Lab and test automation environments</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Physical Requirements</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ability to work in a standard office and lab environment and use a computer for extended periods</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ability to perform hands-on work with hardware systems, including setup, configuration, and troubleshooting</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ability to handle lab equipment, cables, and hardware components safely</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Willingness to support integration and testing activities in lab environments</span></li> <li>Flexibility to support extended hours during critical test or integration phases</li> </ul> <p><em>This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands</em><em>.</em>&nbsp;</p><div class="content-conclusion"><p>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.</p></div>