Manufacturing Test & Debug Engineer

About the role

AST SpaceMobile is building the first global cellular broadband network in space. We are seeking two highly hands‑on Manufacturing Test & Debug Engineers/Technicians to support the setup, ramp‑up, and ongoing operation of our electronics manufacturing and test line (Midband) in Austin, Texas. This production‑floor role focuses on keeping the line running, rapidly identifying and resolving technical issues, supporting electronic assemblies throughout manufacturing and test, and maintaining high levels of yield, throughput, and equipment availability.

Responsibilities

• Support the installation, setup, qualification, ramp‑up, and ongoing operation of manufacturing and test stations.
• Provide hands‑on engineering support directly on the production floor.
• Troubleshoot and debug electronic assemblies, including RF and mixed‑signal boards.
• Diagnose failures at board, component, connector, cable, fixture/jig, instrumentation, and test‑station level.
• Read and understand electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, test procedures, and technical documentation.
• Perform systematic fault isolation, failure analysis, and root‑cause analysis.
• Troubleshoot and repair production test fixtures, jigs, cables, connectors, interfaces, and test equipment.
• Replace, configure, verify, and support calibration of test instrumentation and equipment within test stations.
• Support preventive maintenance and ensure continuous readiness of production test equipment.
• Respond rapidly to production‑line failures and minimize equipment and line downtime.
• Analyze recurring failures and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Improve first‑pass yield, overall yield, throughput, test stability, and equipment availability, targeting a production yield of 98 % or better.
• Provide structured feedback to Manufacturing, Test Engineering, Quality, R&D, NPI, and Operations teams.
• Document failures, root causes, corrective actions, and lessons learned.
• Support the transition from NPI and production ramp‑up into stable volume manufacturing.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Associate Degree, practical engineering diploma, technical certification, or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Strong practical experience in electronics troubleshooting and board‑level debugging.
• Experience in electronic manufacturing, production test, or similar technical environments.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident (green card holder), or have a legal U.S. work permit.

Skills

• Ability to read and troubleshoot using electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and test procedures.
• Hands‑on experience with electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, signal generators, and spectrum/network analyzers.
• Experience troubleshooting test fixtures, jigs, cabling, connectors, and electronic test stations.
• Understanding of calibration, equipment verification, and preventive maintenance principles.
• Strong systematic troubleshooting and root‑cause‑analysis capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and independently drive technical issues to closure.

Preferred Experience

• RF Electronics, Telecommunications, Consumer Electronics, Aerospace & Space, Defense Electronics, high‑volume electronics manufacturing, or ATE/Production Test.
• Experience with NPI, manufacturing ramp‑up, Automated Test Equipment (ATE), RF testing, high‑reliability electronics, or high‑volume PCBA manufacturing.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and work on the production floor for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move equipment, fixtures, and materials up to 25 lb.
• Manual dexterity and close visual acuity for work on PCBAs, connectors, cabling, and small components.
• Ability to work in ESD‑controlled manufacturing, lab, and cleanroom environments.
• Flexibility to support extended or shift coverage during production ramp and critical line events.