Payload Operations Engineer
Posted 22 Sep 2026
Advertised as “Payload Operations Engineer ”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 2+ yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Employment
- On-Site
No salary listed for this role.
Field of studyEngineering, Mathematics, Science, Technology
Study levelBachelor's
Study levelMaster's
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 Payload Operations Engineer to operate AST satellite payload subsystems in support of constellation service and in-orbit testing. This is an onsite, day-staff shift position supporting the AST Satellite Operations Centers (SOCs) in Lanham, MD, with occasional weekend, holiday, and on-call support required to provide 24x7 payload operations. The role works closely with SOC, Network Operations Center (NOC), and subsystem engineers to maintain payload health and commercial service levels, and supports development of the automated tools used to operate the payload.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support development of payload operations tools required for efficient, automated payload tasks.
- Operate payload tools to create all configuration items required for payload in-orbit testing (IOT) and commercial service.
- Monitor service/test automation and analyze results through evaluation of telemetry and logs.
- Coordinate payload system configuration changes as required to maintain commercial service levels.
- Work with tool developers on functionality updates and payload software updates.
- Coordinate troubleshooting with SOC, Network Operations Center (NOC), and subsystem engineers to resolve service issues.
- Monitor and process payload subsystem telemetry data to maintain subsystem state of health, including power, thermal, and RF performance.
- Maintain situational awareness of satellite, payload, and ground configuration and status.
- Operate SOC operations software tools.
- Participate in daily shift handover briefings.
- Support mission product development, including procedure development, test, and validation.
- Support system readiness, planning, and preparation for satellite in-orbit milestones.
- Attend required training sessions, simulations, rehearsals, conferences, and program reviews.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field.
Experience: