Principal Systems Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a Lead Launch Vehicle Systems Engineer to serve as AST's primary technical interface to our launch vehicle providers. Based near Cape Canaveral, FL and working remotely, this role owns launch vehicle interface definition and ICDs, integration of our spacecraft with multiple launch vehicles, and serves as AST's technical authority at the launch site through campaign execution and launch.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience integrating spacecraft with launch vehicles, from interface definition through launch-site operations, and is comfortable making real-time technical decisions in the field. They thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and work effectively with providers, ranges, and internal teams across multiple sites.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead technical interface between AST and launch vehicle providers, representing AST in technical interchange meetings, working groups, and mission integration reviews.
• Serve as AST's technical authority at the launch site, leading spacecraft processing, integration, and encapsulation.
• Own, negotiate, and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and related interface requirements between the spacecraft and launch vehicles, managing changes through formal configuration control.
• Lead launch vehicle compatibility and coordinate integration analyses, including mass properties, structural loads and coupled loads analysis, environments, thermal, RF, electrical, and separation and deployment.
• Define and track launch-related requirements, verification plans, and mission assurance deliverables, and ensure launch vehicle requirements flow down into spacecraft and ground design.
• Support launch vehicle provider evaluation and selection, including technical assessments, trade studies.
• Serve as AST's technical authority at the launch site, leading spacecraft processing, integration, encapsulation, and launch operations with launch vehicle, range, and facility teams.
• Lead technical launch readiness reviews, and provide go/no-go technical recommendations to AST leadership.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field required;

Experience:

A minimum of 8 years of aerospace systems engineering experience, with at least 3 years in launch vehicle integration, launch vehicle interface management, or launch site operations on at least one spacecraft or payload that has flown

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with multiple launch vehicles or launch providers.
• Experience serving as launch site or campaign technical lead for a spacecraft or large constellation.
• Familiarity with range safety processes and requirements (e.g., SSCMAN 91-710) and launch site facilities at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center.

Soft Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to lead and influence launch providers, range and facility personnel, and internal teams without direct authority.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to brief technical and executive audiences and negotiate technical positions with external partners.
• Sound judgment and composure making technical decisions under schedule pressure and during launch campaigns.
• Comfort operating in ambiguity, able to define the path forward when requirements are incomplete or interfaces are still maturing.
• Meticulous attention to detail in ICDs, verification records, and launch documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple providers and competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.
• Self-motivated and effective working independently in a remote setting, taking ownership and driving issues to closure without close supervision.

Technology Stack:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, analysis, and reporting.
• CAD viewing tools and familiarity with structural and thermal analysis outputs, including coupled loads analysis (preferred).

Physical Requirements

• Remote position based within commuting distance of Cape Canaveral, FL; AST does not maintain an office in the area, so the role requires a dedicated home office and reliable internet.
• Ability to work at launch site and processing facilities, including cleanroom, hazardous operations, and outdoor environments, and to work extended and irregular hours during launch campaigns.
• Travel up to 20% to launch vehicle provider facilities, AST sites, customer meetings, and non-Florida launch sites, including extended campaign support.
• Ability to obtain and maintain access to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center; U.S. person status required for access to export-controlled launch vehicle data.

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.