MOPS Automation Software Development 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 MOPS Automation SW Dev Engineer to develop, automate, and maintain the mission operations processes, tools, and procedures required for successful operation of the AST SpaceMobile satellite constellation. This role blends mission operations engineering with software-driven automation, with a strong emphasis on scripting satellite procedures, developing operational tooling, and enabling scalable, reliable constellation operations. This position plays a critical role in shaping how the Satellite Operations Center (SOC) functions day-to-day and evolves over the lifetime of the constellation, providing operational insight into system design while actively building the automation and procedures used on orbit. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and evolve mission operations processes and concepts of operations (ConOps) across all mission phases (LEOP, commissioning, routine operations).
• Perform trade studies on Satellite Operations Center (SOC) software tools and operational architectures.
• Support SOC system design, integration, and evolution with a focus on automation and scalability.
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot SOC operations tools and environments.
• Develop, test, and validate satellite operations procedures, sequences of events, and command scripts used for on-orbit operations.
• Script and automate satellite command and control procedures using languages such as Python (and similar scripting languages).
• Develop telemetry validation logic and expected response checks to support both automated and manual operations.
• Modify and improve procedures based on on-orbit performance and lessons learned.
• Design, develop, and maintain custom mission operations tools and automation scripts.
• Develop tooling and lightweight applications to support on-orbit operations, monitoring, and analysis.
• Build or extend user interfaces, dashboards, or visualization tools that improve operator situational awareness.
• Interface with internal and external APIs to integrate mission operations workflows.
• Support system-level integration tests and end-to-end testing between the SOC and factory satellite.
• Participate in mission readiness activities including operations tests, simulations, rehearsals, and dry runs.