Satellite Operations Engineer
AST SpaceMobile · Lanham, MD
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Production
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level production role at AST SpaceMobile (aerospace & defense) in Lanham, MD.
- They ask for
- 2+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Automation
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Production Engineer roles in Maryland: typical posted base $113k–$156k.
Median of the low and high ends of 6 live postings that list pay, out of 13 production engineer openings in Maryland, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Maryland plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 12 other live production postings in Maryland.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (2+ vs 5+)
Typical $102k–$153k, from 5 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- EHS / safety 31%
- ✓ Automation 23%
- Team leadership 23%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for New product launch, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
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 Production team at AST SpaceMobile
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: AST SpaceMobile in Lanham
3 other open roles at this site.
- Payload Operations Engineer · Production
- OSS Test & Automation Engineer · Controls
- Thermal Blanket Fabrication Supervisor · Manufacturing · Supervisor
Full description from AST SpaceMobileAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Key Responsibilities
- ◆Execute planned tasks for LEO satellite operations from the Satellite Operations Center (SOC) in a shift environment
- ◆Coordinate with the satellite and the ground network to configure ground equipment to execute scheduled satellite contacts (pre-pass, pass, and post-pass)
- ◆Execute satellite procedures and upload satellite commands according to contact planning schedule and verify satellite response
- ◆Monitor and process satellite telemetry data and monitor satellite subsystem state of health
- ◆Maintain situational awareness of satellite and ground station configuration and status
- ◆Respond to satellite, ground systems, and network alarms
- ◆Provide triage support to satellite and ground system anomalies, collect data, call in engineers, and support the anomaly resolution team as required
- ◆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 launch
- ◆Attend required and routine training sessions, simulations, rehearsals, conferences, and program reviews
Education
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a STEM-related field
Experience
A minimum of 2 years of satellite operations experience
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Experience with LEO satellite constellations
- ✓Familiarity with mission planning, flight dynamics, and ground network operations
- ✓Prior work in a 24/7 operations environment
- ✓Exposure to automation tools and scripting for satellite operations
- ✓Knowledge of satellite telemetry and command systems
Requirements
- ✓Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods
- ✓Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- ✓Must be able to remain alert and responsive during prolonged periods of monitoring and operations
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 ↓Show less ↑
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 Satellite Operations Engineer to support real-time operations of AST SpaceMobile’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. This role is shift-based to ensure 24/7 coverage, including weekends and holidays. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background and a passion for space systems, automation, and mission success.
Soft Skills
- •Strong interpersonal skills
- •Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams
- •Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- •Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of all documentation and project deliverables
- •Self-starter with initiative and ownership mindset
- •Adaptability to rapidly evolving system
Technology Stack
- •Satellite command and control software
- •Ground network configuration tools
- •Mission planning and flight dynamics applications
- •Telemetry monitoring systems
- •Microsoft Office Suite
- •Linux-based systems and scripting (preferred)
Physical