AOCS India Team Lead

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

The Attitude and Orbit Control System team is responsible for maintaining on-orbit operational control of all spacecraft in the AST fleet. Our team is seeking a capable Team Lead to manage India-based AOCS AIT Support and On-Orbit Support Engineers. The Team Lead will also be tasked with identifying and hiring local Support Engineers as requested and necessary.

The Team Lead will ensure all team members perform their respective functions to AST expectations, including defining team operations schedule for both AIT activities and On-Orbit activities, delegating shift responsibilities during periods of activities, and coordinating with their parallel AST AOCS (US) engineering team. The AOCS India Team Lead may also be required to participate in both AIT and On-Orbit activities directly. 

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the AOCS India team, including scheduling and coordination with US counterparts

• Coordinate test schedules and on-orbit task/pass schedules to ensure all AOCS needs are filled.

• Oversee documentation for completeness and accountability 

• Evaluate AIT test and on-orbit anomalies for safety and performance impacts to both ongoing ground and flight operations

• Propose improvements or changes to test plans based on operational experience

• Propose improvements or changes to on-orbit AOCS operations

• Manage handoff of pertinent information from the AOCS AIT India team with AST AOCS US personnel

• Work with AST US personnel to increase automation of AIT and on-orbit tasks, and to streamline performance evaluation cycles

• Track AIT and on-orbit anomalies and resolutions to closure.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a related field

Experience:

A minimum of 3 years of experience in spacecraft attitude control systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with attitude control system design and optimization

• Experience in spacecraft AIT activities

• Ability to evaluate AIT architecture for completeness and potential shortcomings

• Experience executing test plans for satellite components

• Ability to analyze telemetry outputs and evaluate component operations

• Understanding of attitude control component performance within the satellite system

• Familiarity with on-orbit operations processes

• Document management experience

Soft Skills:

• Deep understanding of personal competencies for evaluating and performing critical tasks involving flight or on-orbit hardware

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation and deliverables

• Ability to manage multiple priorities

• Flexible and analytical thinker

• Reliable and capable of working independently

Software Capabilities:

• MATLAB/Simulink software

• C++

• Jira

• MS Office products

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a standard office environment

• Ability to use a computer for extended periods

• Availability to support a 24/7 operational environment, including on-call rotations

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.