GNC Test Engineer

Job description

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight. Position Overview The System \ SW Test team at AST SpaceMobile is responsible for verifying and validating the embedded software that runs aboard all spacecraft in the AST fleet. We are seeking a junior Test Software Engineer with AOCS (Attitude & Orbit Control System) domain knowledge to join our India-based System \ SW Testing team and contribute to the verification and validation of flight software that implements attitude and orbit control functions. In this role, you will develop and maintain automated FSW (Flight Software) test frameworks and your controls domain background will allow you to write meaningful tests, interpret results in physical terms, and work effectively with both the FSW and AOCS engineering teams. Key Responsibilities Design, develop, and maintain automated test scripts and frameworks in Python and MATLAB Implement and execute unit, integration, and software-in-the-loop (SIL) tests for AOCS algorithms including attitude control laws, momentum management, and thruster firing logic Review and debug C++ flight software modules to identify and trace defects revealed by test execution or on-orbit telemetry analysis related to attitude sensors Maintain and improve test infrastructure, including simulation environments, truth models, and automated reporting pipelines. Document test results, anomaly reports, and lessons learned in Jira and internal knowledge-management systems. Serve as a bridge between the FSW and AOCS teams, translating AOCS domain requirements into testable software acceptance criteria and communicating test findings in terms meaningful to both teams. Coordinate with US-based FSW and AOCS Flight Engineering counterparts to align on test coverage, software interface requirements, and operational procedures. Monitor operator compliance with AOCS test processes and support continuous improvement of ground verification methodologies. Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field. Coursework in orbital mechanics, control systems, or spacecraft dynamics is strongly preferred. Required Qualifications: 1–3 years of relevant experience in control systems, estimation theory, flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, or simulation-driven validation. Some hands-on experience with Python, including scripting and data analysis Familiarity with MATLAB and/or Simulink sufficient to run simulations and analyze numerical results. Exposure to C++; ability to read and follow flight software code with guidance. Foundational understanding of control systems theory (e.g. closed-loop dynamics, PID controllers, or state-space concepts). Introductory knowledge of orbital mechanics (e.g. Keplerian orbits, reference frames, coordinate transformations) Awareness of attitude representations such as Euler angles, rotation matrices, or quaternions, at a conceptual level. Analytical mindset with attention to detail and a willingness to learn in a fast-moving engineering environment. Communicates clearly in written and spoken English; comfortable asking questions and collaborating with remote teams. Preferred Qualifications: Experience writing automated test frameworks or continuous integration pipelines for embedded or real-time software. Familiarity with spacecraft sensors and actuators for attitude determination and control systems including star trackers, IMUs, reaction wheels, magnetorquers, or thrusters. Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) or software-in-the-loop (SIL) test environments. Exposure to spacecraft telemetry tools, ground software, or mission operations environments. Knowledge of estimation theory Experience using Jira or similar issue-tracking and project-management tools. Familiarity with version control systems (Git) and software development workflows. Professional exposure to AOCS/GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Control) is a plus but not required. Soft Skills: Detail-oriented with strong commitment to accuracy in test documentation and results. Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks across spacecraft in different operational phases. Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Flexible and analytical thinker, comfortable with ambiguity in early-stage test development. Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively across time zones with US-based colleagues. Technology Stack: Python MATLAB / Simulink C++ Jira Git MS Office products Physical Requirements: Willing to work from office about 80% of the time. 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.