Principal Systems Engineer

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.

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