Principal Systems Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Florida.

📋 Description

• Act as the primary technical liaison between AST and launch vehicle suppliers during technical exchange meetings, working groups, and mission integration reviews.

• Represent AST's technical authority at the launch site.

• Oversee spacecraft processing, integration, encapsulation, and launch operations.

• Manage, negotiate, and uphold Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and associated interface requirements through established configuration control processes.

• Lead analyses for launch vehicle compatibility and coordinate integration assessments relating to mass properties, structural loads, coupled loads analysis, environmental factors, thermal conditions, RF, electrical, separation, and deployment.

• Identify and monitor launch-related requirements, verification plans, and mission assurance deliverables.

• Ensure that launch vehicle requirements are integrated into spacecraft and ground design.

• Assist in the evaluation and selection of launch vehicle providers through technical assessments and trade studies.

• Conduct technical launch readiness reviews.

• Offer go/no-go technical recommendations to AST leadership.

• Collaborate with launch vehicle providers, range, facility, and internal teams across various locations.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline is required.

• At least 8 years of experience in aerospace systems engineering.

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in launch vehicle integration, management of launch vehicle interfaces, or launch site operations.

• Experience must include at least one spacecraft or payload that has been launched.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and influence launch providers, range and facility personnel, and internal teams without direct authority.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of presenting to both technical and executive audiences and negotiating technical positions with external partners.

• Demonstrated sound judgment and composure in making technical decisions under scheduling pressures and during launch campaigns.

• Ability to navigate through ambiguity and establish paths forward when requirements or interfaces are not fully defined.

• Exceptional attention to detail in ICDs, verification records, and launch documentation.

• Capacity to manage multiple providers and prioritize competing tasks effectively.

• Self-motivated and capable of working independently in a remote environment.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Willingness to work at launch sites and processing facilities, including clean rooms, hazardous operations, and outdoor settings.

• Availability to work extended and irregular hours during launch campaigns.

• Travel up to 20% may be required.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center.

• U.S. person status is required for access to export-controlled launch vehicle data.

🏝️ Benefits

• Remote position with a dedicated home office and reliable internet connection.

• Opportunity to work on a global cellular broadband network in space.

• Equal opportunity employment.