AOCS International On-Orbit Support

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

The Attitude and Orbit Control System team is responsible for maintaining on-orbit operational control of all spacecraft in the AST fleet. Our team is seeking On-Orbit Support Personnel to track and execute spacecraft operations for the AOCS team. 

AOCS On-Orbit Support Personnel will monitor and track spacecraft operations, typically during local Spanish work hours. Support Personnel will evaluate telemetry, track on-orbit trends across single spacecraft and multiple spacecraft, and evaluate on-orbit performance relative to spacecraft requirements. On-Orbit Support Personnel will communicate and coordinate with US personnel as needed, including with Flight Engineering and Mission Operations to identify and track anomalies, ensure completeness and correctness of any on-orbit updates, and improve ground processes with respect to AOCS hardware and software. 

Key Responsibilities

Work with the Flight Engineering team to track and evaluate on-orbit data for anomalous behavior

Understand and maximize the utility of available telemetry packets and rates for different on-orbit needs

Assess, triage, and resolve on-orbit anomalies requiring intervention in real-time

Monitor and validate software upgrades or modifications, including Gain Table updates and calibration functions

Work with the Mission Operations team to develop or improve procedures related to AOCS

Monitor operator compliance with AOCS processes and procedures.

Coordinate with US counterparts to ensure complete coverage during critical on-orbit periods

Monitor and d ocument operational trends

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a related field

Educational background that includes orbital mechanics

Experience:

None required

Preferred Qualifications:

Understanding of orbital mechanics and attitude dynamics

Experience with spacecraft on-orbit activities

Ability to analyze telemetry outputs and evaluate spacecraft performance

Ability to interpolate spacecraft performance based on limited data

Ability to identify spacecraft faults and trace root cause using available data and tools

Safety-minded operations understanding

Comfortable tracking distinct operational tasks required for a large number of individual spacecraft

Ability to evaluate and debug code to identify potential flaws as indicated by on-orbit data

Soft Skills:

Ability to collaborate with remote teams

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation and deliverables

Ability to manage schedule priorities for spacecraft in distinct operational phases with distinct operational needs

Flexible and analytical thinker

Reliable and capable of working independently

Technology Stack:

MATLAB/Simulink software

C++

Jira

MS Office products

Physical Requirements:

Ability to work in a standard office environment

Ability to use a computer for extended periods

Ability to support potential 24/7 on-orbit monitoring and operations execution

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.