Principal NTN Radio Access and Mobility Engineer

Job description

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight. Position Overview We are seeking a Principal NTN Radio Access and Mobility Engineer to support the end-to-end integration of all Gateway platform components, including the eNodeB, gNodeB, BPMS, and GPS Reference System, as well as their integration with the Antenna, RF systems, NCC, and OSS systems. This role is responsible for defining, lifecycle-managing, and documenting the network SKU — hardware and software, acceptance testing procedures, pass/fail criteria, and golden configuration — across all Gateway types, and for leading the networking First Office Application (FOA) for each new Gateway SKU to ensure R&D and vendor products are ready to deploy at scale. The ideal candidate has deep command of LTE and 5G radio-access protocols, 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) specifications, and the RRC, MAC, RLC, and PDCP layers, and thrives in hands-on work across timing advance, Doppler compensation, link adaptation, mobility management, beam transitions, cell selection and reselection, handover and session continuity, and radio-resource optimization. Key Responsibilities: Own the end-to-end integration of Gateway platform components — eNodeB, gNodeB, BPMS, and GPS Reference System — across all Gateway types. Define, lifecycle-manage, and document the network SKU (hardware and software) for each platform component. Develop and maintain acceptance testing procedures, pass/fail criteria, and golden configurations for the network SKU. Support integration of platform components with other Gateway elements, including Antenna, RF systems, NCC, and OSS systems. Lead the networking First Office Application (FOA) for each new Gateway SKU. Define, validate, and optimize NTN radio-access behavior, and support investigation and resolution of timing, frequency, and Doppler-related issues. Develop mobility strategies across beams, satellites, gateways, and terrestrial networks, and define handover behavior between terrestrial and satellite coverage. Translate R&D radio algorithms into production operating parameters and define QoS for voice, messaging, and data. Establish radio-performance KPIs and investigate failed registrations, dropped sessions, and degraded throughput. Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, RF engineering, telecommunications engineering, or a related technical field. Experience: 5+ years of experience in radio access network (RAN) engineering with direct work on LTE and/or 5G systems, including: Integrating and testing eNodeB, gNodeB, or comparable RAN network elements in a production environment. Defining hardware/software SKUs, acceptance test plans, and golden configurations for complex network products. Leading First Office Application (FOA) or first-deployment validation efforts for new network products. Preferred Qualifications: Direct experience with satellite or Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) systems, including satellite-to-device or satellite backhaul architectures. Familiarity with GPS/GNSS reference systems and precision timing/synchronization architectures. Experience working directly with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on network integration or interoperability testing. Familiarity with OSS/NCC systems and their integration with RAN network elements. Background in RF systems or antenna integration as it relates to end-to-end network performance. Soft Skills: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships across technical and non-technical teams. Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional engineering, product, and operations organizations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a methodical approach to troubleshooting. Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of technical documentation, test results, and project deliverables. Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment. Technology Stack: LTE and 5G NR protocol stacks, including RRC, MAC, RLC, and PDCP layer behavior and configuration. 3GPP NTN specifications and related standards documentation. eNodeB, gNodeB, and BPMS platforms and configuration management tooling. GPS/GNSS reference and timing systems. RF test equipment and protocol/network analyzers (e.g., signaling analyzers, spectrum analyzers). Network Control Center (NCC) and OSS platforms. Test automation and acceptance-test frameworks for network hardware/software validation. Physical Requirements Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods. Ability to work in laboratory and technical testing environments utilizing RF test equipment and diagnostic tools. 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 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.