Environmental Test Technician III (El Paso relocate to Midland)

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.

This position is based in our satellite production facility in Midland, TX, with full relocation provided (details below).

Position Overview

AST SpaceMobile is seeking an Environmental Test Technician III to support environmental qualification, acceptance testing, and development testing of satellites, solar arrays, and aerospace hardware.

This senior-level technician role performs complex environmental testing activities including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, acoustic, thermal cycling, and related qualification testing. The Technician III serves as a technical lead for test execution, mentors junior technicians, supports root cause investigations, develops test configurations, and ensures testing is performed safely, accurately, and in compliance with aerospace standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental testing, aerospace manufacturing, automotive testing, industrial testing, or related technical environments.

Compensation & Schedule

• Pay: based on experience, with overtime opportunities. 
• Schedule: 1st Shift – Days: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (4x10 schedule) with paid lunch and breaks (need one candidate)
• Schedule: 2nd Shift – Nights: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 p.m.–4:00 a.m. (4x10 schedule) with a 10% shift differential and paid lunch and breaks (need one candidate) 
• Flexibility: Weekday and weekday shifts are also available depending on experience and team needs.

What You'll Do

Lead environmental qualification and acceptance testing activities including:

• Thermal Vacuum (TVAC)
• Vibration Testing
• Shock Testing
• Acoustic Testing
• Thermal Cycling
• Deployment and Functional Testing
• Independently set up, configure, instrument, and operate environmental test systems.
• Develop test setups, fixturing, instrumentation plans, and test configurations for complex hardware.

Install, verify, troubleshoot, and calibrate instrumentation including:

• Accelerometers
• Thermistors
• Thermocouples
• Strain Gauges
• Load Cells
• Other environmental test sensors

Configure and operate:

• Data Acquisition Systems (DAQs)
• Multimeters
• Oscilloscopes
• Thermal Chambers
• Thermal Vacuum Systems
• Vibration Shakers
• Acoustic Test Equipment

• Perform wiring, harnessing, cable fabrication, connector assembly, and soldering activities to support test operations.
• Support qualification and acceptance testing of satellite subsystems, solar panels, deployment systems, and flight hardware.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and test system issues.
• Lead anomaly investigations and assist engineers with root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Perform calibration and verification activities for measurement and test equipment.
• Operate forklifts, cranes, manlifts, and lifting equipment safely and effectively.
• Review test procedures, work instructions, and test readiness documentation.
• Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to Environmental Test Technician I and II personnel.

Maintain accurate documentation including:

• Test Procedures
• Setup Records
• Calibration Records
• Non-Conformance Reports
• Test Reports

Ensure compliance with aerospace quality, safety, contamination control, and testing standards.

What You Bring:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Associate degree in Electronics Technology, Mechanical Technology, Aerospace Technology, Electrical Technology, or related field preferred.

Minimum 5+ years of hands-on experience in:

• Aerospace Testing
• Aerospace Manufacturing
• Automotive Testing
• Environmental Testing
• Industrial Testing
• Defense Manufacturing
• Related Technical Industries

Experience with wiring, harnessing, electrical assembly, and cable fabrication.

Experience performing soldering and connector termination.

• Experience using:
• Hand Tools
• Torque Wrenches
• Precision Measuring Equipment
• Power Tools
• Experience operating:
• Forklifts
• Cranes
• Manlifts
• Material Handling Equipment
• Experience with:
• DAQs
• Multimeters
• Oscilloscopes
• Environmental Test Equipment
• Ability to read and interpret:
• Engineering Drawings
• Schematics
• Wiring Diagrams
• Test Procedures
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Aerospace or automotive manufacturing experience.
• Experience performing:
• Vibration Testing
• Thermal Testing
• Thermal Vacuum Testing
• Acoustic Testing
• Shock Testing
• Experience with solar panel testing and satellite hardware qualification.
• Experience working with:
• Accelerometers
• Thermistors
• Thermocouples
• Strain Gauges
• Experience supporting calibration programs and metrology activities.
• Experience leading test teams and mentoring technicians.
• Experience supporting root cause analysis and failure investigations.

Soft Skills:

• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to lead test activities with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Ability to mentor and train others.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to perform repetitive and precision tasks.
• Ability to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as required.
• Ability to work around large structures, environmental chambers, vibration systems, and test equipment.
• Ability to lift, push, and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in and around tight or confined spaces.
• Ability to work near moving mechanical equipment and overhead lifting operations.
• Ability to work in environments that may include exposure to fumes, airborne particles, carbon fiber materials, and industrial hazards.
• Availability to support extended shifts during critical test campaigns.

Benefits: (Eligibility dependent)

• Medical, dental, vision
• 401(k) (pre-tax & Roth)
• Life insurance, disability coverage
• HSA, transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• PTO / sick leave

Relocation Support (If You Accept)

• Up to $5,000 in temporary housing (first 3 months)
• $1,050/month stipend to support living arrangements after 1st working month on an ongoing basis

If you are open to relocating to Midland, this can be a career changing, and life changing, move into the high-tech aerospace world offering a new skill set and job security in a very similar environment that will soon feel like home. We encourage you to apply to learn more about AST SpaceMobile and what Midland has to offer. 

 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.