Principal Satellite to Ground Integration Engineer

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on its extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for commercial and government applications. Its engineers and space scientists are working to eliminate connectivity gaps faced by mobile subscribers and bring broadband to unconnected populations.

Position Overview

Support the integration, deployment, and lifecycle management of Q/V-band transmission systems in a satellite communications gateway environment. Own Q/V transmission subsystems, including antennas, amplifiers, frequency conversion equipment, and indoor/outdoor RF infrastructure, including configuration baselines, acceptance and calibration processes, and system integration, to ensure operational readiness across multiple gateway deployments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the subject matter expert for Q/V-band transmission systems and associated RF infrastructure throughout the system lifecycle.
• Define, document, and maintain configuration baselines and approved hardware/software combinations.
• Develop and maintain acceptance test procedures, performance validation methods, calibration processes, and pass/fail criteria.
• Support integration with network, monitoring, and operational support platforms.
• Lead technical readiness activities for new gateway deployments.
• Troubleshoot RF performance and system-level issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, network, and operations teams.
• Create and maintain technical documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and training to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Support continuous improvement focused on reliability, scalability, and performance optimization.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, RF engineering, telecommunications engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience working with Q/V-band satellite transmission systems, including system design, RF integration, testing, deployment, or operational support.
• Experience troubleshooting RF communications systems.
• Experience supporting system-level integration activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in Q/V-band transmission system design, operation, performance analysis, and optimization.
• Understanding of satellite communications architectures and gateway RF infrastructure.
• Knowledge of 4G and 5G wireless communication standards and satellite-terrestrial network integration concepts.
• Experience developing technical specifications, operational procedures, test plans, and engineering documentation.
• Hands-on experience with system-level testing, acceptance validation, calibration methodologies, and performance verification.
• Experience integrating RF systems with network management, monitoring, or operational support platforms.
• Familiarity with deployment readiness, field acceptance testing, and new system introduction activities.
• Understanding of ground segment communications systems and related RF technologies.

Soft Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, communication, analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly, manage multiple priorities, work independently, and contribute effectively within a team.

Technology Stack:

• Q/V-band satellite transmission systems.
• Antenna systems, high-power amplifiers, frequency converters, and RF signal distribution equipment.
• Indoor and outdoor RF communications infrastructure.
• RF and optical conversion technologies.
• Telemetry and system monitoring solutions.
• Test and measurement equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, and network analyzers.
• Technical documentation and configuration management tools.
• Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration platforms.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in office, laboratory, and technical testing environments and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to travel periodically to support deployment, integration, testing, and operational activities.
• Ability to safely handle and move technical equipment and hardware components when necessary.
• Ability to capture, analyze, and document technical test procedures, results, and system performance data.

This job description may not be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned or the scope may change as business demands require.

AST SpaceMobile is an equal opportunity, at-will employer. Employment is governed by merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by any legally protected status.