1st Shift Environmental Test Technician II (El Paso → Midland)

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

Build Satellites. Apply in El Paso. Launch Your Career in Midland.

Position Overview

AST is in search of an Environmental Test Technician II to support environmental qualification and acceptance testing of satellite systems, solar arrays, and aerospace hardware. This role performs environmental testing activities including thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, acoustic, thermal cycling, and related test methods with minimal supervision. The Technician II is expected to independently execute test setups, troubleshoot test issues, support calibration activities, mentor junior technicians, and ensure compliance with aerospace quality, safety, and testing standards.

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
• Flexibility: Weekday and weekday shifts are also available depending on experience and team needs.

What You'll Do:

• Independently perform environmental testing including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, acoustic, thermal cycling, and qualification testing.
• Set up, configure, instrument, and operate environmental test systems and associated support equipment.
• Install, verify, and troubleshoot instrumentation including accelerometers, thermistors, thermocouples, strain gauges, and other test sensors.
• Configure and operate Data Acquisition Systems (DAQs), multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other electronic test equipment.
• Build, modify, inspect, and troubleshoot electrical wiring, harnesses, connectors, and test fixtures.
• Perform soldering, connector termination, cable fabrication, and electrical continuity verification.
• Support testing and validation of satellite subsystems, solar panels, and flight hardware.
• Analyze test data and identify anomalies, trends, and potential failures.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and test equipment issues.
• Develop and implement test configurations, fixturing, and instrumentation plans.
• Support calibration and verification activities for measurement and test equipment.
• Operate forklifts, cranes, manlifts, and lifting equipment in accordance with safety procedures.
• Assist engineers with test readiness reviews, anomaly investigations, and root cause analysis.
• Maintain detailed documentation including test procedures, setup records, calibration records, and test reports.
• Train and mentor Environmental Test Technician I personnel as required.
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems, safety standards, and aerospace testing requirements.

What You Bring:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Electronics, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, Aerospace Technology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, industrial maintenance, environmental testing, electronics, or related technical environments.
• Experience with wiring, harnessing, cable fabrication, and electrical assembly.
• Experience using hand tools, torque wrenches, precision measurement tools, and power tools.
• Experience performing soldering and connector assembly.
• Experience with data acquisition systems (DAQs), multimeters, and instrumentation equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and test procedures.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing vibration, thermal, thermal vacuum, shock, acoustic, or environmental qualification testing.
• Experience working with accelerometers, thermistors, thermocouples, strain gauges, and related sensors.
• Experience with calibration programs and test equipment verification.
• Experience supporting spacecraft, satellite, solar panel, aviation, defense, automotive, or industrial qualification testing.
• Forklift certification or experience operating forklifts, cranes, and manlifts.
• Experience with environmental chambers, vibration shakers, thermal vacuum systems, and acoustic test facilities.
• Knowledge of aerospace quality systems and test documentation requirements.
• Experience supporting root cause analysis and failure investigations.

Soft Skills

• Strong technical troubleshooting capability.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Ability to mentor and support junior technicians.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods 
• 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 to perform job duties
• Ability to communicate effectively, including talking and hearing
• Ability to work in, on, around, and in proximity to large structures, equipment, and tooling
• Ability to lift, push, and/or carry items up to 35 pounds as required
• Ability to work near moving mechanical parts and equipment
• Ability to work in and around tight or confined spaces
• Ability to type up to 8-12 hours per day
• Ability to Reading, identifying colors of labels or signage
• Ability to work in environments that may include exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and/or hazardous materials (e.g., carbon fiber)

Benefits: (Eligibility dependent)

• Medical, dental, vision
• 401(k) (pre-tax & Roth)
• Life insurance, disability coverage
• HSA, FSA benefits are optional
• 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.