Automation Engineer

AST SpaceMobile · Dallas, TX

Level: Engineer
Team: Controls
Degree: Required
Experience asked: 4+ years
Industry: Aerospace & defense
Posted: 30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at AST SpaceMobile (aerospace & defense) in Dallas, TX. Hands-on experience working in lab environments with hardware systems.

They ask for: 4+ years · degree required
Tools it names: Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Robotics, Automation

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in Texas: typical posted base $95k–$140k.

Median of the low and high ends of 9 live postings that list pay, out of 81 controls engineer openings in Texas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Texas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 80 other live controls postings in Texas.

Base pay: Not listed in this posting
Experience asked: Typical (4+ years)

Skills these teams ask for most

PLC 84%
✓ Automation 77%
✓ Robotics 40%
EHS / safety 27%
✓ Python 26%
New product launch 22%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 4+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at AST SpaceMobile
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2
Send a short, curious note
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3
Turn a reply into a short call
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4
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5
Bring proof to the interview
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This plant: AST SpaceMobile in Dallas

1 other open role at this site · 2 people we found in controls roles at AST SpaceMobile.

Principal Automation and AI Operations Engineer · Controls · Senior

Full description from AST SpaceMobileAs posted on their careers site.Show

Key Responsibilities

◆Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks for embedded systems
◆Support system-level testing across development, integration, and validation phases
◆Develop and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test workflows
◆Build and maintain automated regression test suites to ensure system stability
◆Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, software, and integration engineers
◆Debug and troubleshoot system-level issues across hardware and software interfaces
◆Develop test scripts and tools using Python and modern test frameworks
◆Support integration and commissioning of new hardware into test environments
◆Maintain lab setups, including configuring hardware components and resolving connectivity issues
◆Contribute to continuous integration and automated testing pipelines
◆Document test procedures, results, and system interfaces clearly and accurately
◆Support service enablement and deployment activities by ensuring system readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field

Experience

✓A minimum of 4+ years of experience in software development, automation, or embedded systems testing
✓Strong hands-on experience with Python development
✓Experience working with embedded systems and low-level debugging
✓Familiarity with communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, or CAN

Preferred Qualifications

✓Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing environments
✓Hands-on experience working in lab environments with hardware systems
✓Experience integrating and validating hardware in test setups
✓Familiarity with containerization tools (e.g., Docker)
✓Knowledge of Linux systems and scripting (Bash or equivalent)
✓Experience with data analysis tools for test results and telemetry evaluation
✓Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and automated testing workflows

Requirements

✓Ability to work in a standard office and lab environment and use a computer for extended periods
✓Ability to perform hands-on work with hardware systems, including setup, configuration, and troubleshooting
✓Ability to handle lab equipment, cables, and hardware components safely
✓Willingness to support integration and testing activities in lab environments
✓Flexibility to support extended hours during critical test or integration phases

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 .

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.

Show full description ↓

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 an Automation Engineer – PAM Team to design, develop, and maintain automated test and verification frameworks for embedded hardware and software systems. This role focuses on ensuring reliability, performance, and quality across all phases of system development and integration.

The Automation Engineer will work closely with development, integration, and service enablement teams, supporting system-level testing in both lab and integration environments. This position requires a strong combination of software engineering, test automation, and hands-on hardware experience to validate complex, mission-critical systems.

Soft Skills

•Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
•Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional environments
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills
•High attention to detail, especially in mission-critical or quality-sensitive environments
•Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
•Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
•Adaptability in fast-paced and evolving technical environments

Technology Stack

•Programming: Python, scripting languages (e.g., Bash)
•Test frameworks: pytest, Robot Framework, or similar
•Version control: Git
•CI/CD tools: Jenkins or similar platforms
•Containerization: Docker (preferred)
•Data analysis: pandas, numpy, or similar tools
•Embedded communication tools and interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN)
•Lab and test automation environments

Physical