Manufacturing Test & Debug 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.

SUMMARY: 

We are looking for two highly hands-on Manufacturing Test & Debug Engineers / Technicians to support the setup, ramp-up, and ongoing operation of our electronics manufacturing and test line Midband in Austin, Texas.

This is a production-floor role focused on keeping the line running, rapidly identifying and resolving technical issues, supporting electronic assemblies throughout manufacturing and test, and maintaining high levels of yield, throughput, and equipment availability.

The ideal candidate has strong practical electronics knowledge and is comfortable troubleshooting at the PCB/PCBA, component, fixture, cabling, instrumentation, and test-station level.

This is a hands-on production engineering position, not a desk-based engineering role. Success means keeping the manufacturing and test line operational, quickly isolating technical failures, solving problems at their root cause, improving test stability and yield, and enabling production to continue with minimum disruption. These positions will be part of the core Austin team responsible for bringing the manufacturing and test operation from initial setup through production ramp and into stable, high-volume execution.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Support the installation, setup, qualification, ramp-up, and ongoing operation of manufacturing and test stations.
• Provide hands-on engineering support directly on the production floor.
• Troubleshoot and debug electronic assemblies, including RF and mixed-signal electronic boards.
• Diagnose failures at board, component, connector, cable, fixture/jig, instrumentation, and test-station level.
• Read and understand electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, test procedures, and technical documentation.
• Perform systematic fault isolation, failure analysis, and root-cause analysis.
• Troubleshoot and repair production test fixtures, jigs, cables, connectors, interfaces, and test equipment.
• Replace, configure, verify, and support calibration of test instrumentation and equipment within test stations.
• Support preventive maintenance and ensure continuous readiness of production test equipment.
• Respond rapidly to production-line failures and minimize equipment and line downtime.
• Analyze recurring failures and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Improve FPY, yield, throughput, test stability, and equipment availability, with a target production yield of 98% or better.
• Provide structured feedback to Manufacturing, Test Engineering, Quality, R&D, NPI, and Operations teams.
• Document failures, root causes, corrective actions, and lessons learned.
• Support the transition from NPI and production ramp-up into stable volume manufacturing.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

B.Sc. in Electrical / Electronics Engineering, Associate Degree, Practical Engineering diploma, technical certification, or equivalent relevant hands-on experience.

Strong practical experience in electronics troubleshooting and board-level debugging.

Experience in electronic manufacturing, production test, or similar technical environments.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to read and troubleshoot using electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and test procedures.
• Hands-on experience with electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, signal generators, and spectrum/network analyzers or similar instrumentation.
• Experience troubleshooting test fixtures, jigs, cabling, connectors, and electronic test stations.
• Understanding of calibration, equipment verification, and preventive maintenance principles.
• Strong systematic troubleshooting and root-cause-analysis capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and independently drive technical issues to closure.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: RF Electronics, Telecommunications, Consumer Electronics, Aerospace & Space, Defense Electronics, High-Volume Electronics Manufacturing, ATE / Production Test.
• Experience with NPI, manufacturing ramp-up, Automated Test Equipment (ATE), RF testing, high-reliability electronics, or high-volume PCBA manufacturing is a strong advantage.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to stand and work on the production floor for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move equipment, fixtures, and materials up to 25 lbs.
• Manual dexterity and close visual acuity for work on PCBAs, connectors, cabling, and small components.
• Ability to work in ESD-controlled manufacturing, lab, and cleanroom environments.
• Flexibility to support extended or shift coverage during production ramp and critical line events.

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.

• Must be US Citizen or Permanent Resident Green card holder or have a legal US work permit

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_._ 

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.