Program Manager

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. Position Overview We are seeking a Program Manager to join our Telecommunications Program Management Office (PMO) and lead end-to-end service readiness and delivery programs for strategic telecommunications partners. This role is responsible for managing integrated program plans, coordinating cross-functional teams, tracking readiness milestones, and ensuring successful progression through delivery and service launch phases. The Program Manager will work closely with commercial, technical, engineering, operations, and partner teams to align execution against a single delivery plan, manage dependencies, and drive successful deployment outcomes. The ideal candidate combines strong program management expertise with telecommunications knowledge and a collaborative leadership style. Key Responsibilities Develop and maintain integrated end-to-end program plans supporting service delivery and operational readiness initiatives. Track project milestones, dependencies, risks, assumptions, issues, and action items across multiple workstreams. Establish and manage program governance, including status reporting, change control, and executive-level communications. Coordinate readiness activities, validation efforts, and milestone reviews to support successful service launches. Facilitate stage-gate reviews and ensure completion of entry and exit criteria for program progression. Monitor readiness metrics, acceptance criteria, and key performance indicators (KPIs), providing visibility to stakeholders. Partner with commercial, technical, and operational teams to align delivery activities and strategic objectives. Coordinate engineering, deployment, operations, service assurance, and support functions to ensure seamless execution. Manage cross-functional dependencies and proactively resolve obstacles impacting project timelines. Support field testing, validation activities, pilot programs, and operational readiness assessments. Lead stakeholder meetings, delivery reviews, and governance forums. Capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvements to program delivery processes, tools, and reporting methodologies. Leverage automation and project management platforms to improve delivery efficiency and visibility. Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field. Master’s degree or MBA preferred. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent preferred. Experience Minimum of 7 years of program or project management experience within telecommunications, technology, or related industries. Minimum of 3 years managing customer-facing or partner-facing implementation and delivery programs. Proven success managing complex service deployments, network implementations, or technology rollouts. Experience coordinating multiple workstreams across engineering, operations, commercial, and external partner organizations. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting wireless, mobile network, satellite communications, or telecommunications services. Experience working with network operators, technology vendors, system integrators, or enterprise customers. Knowledge of service delivery, deployment, readiness, and operational support functions. Experience managing phased deployments, pilot programs, field trials, or commercial launches. Multi-country or global program delivery experience. Experience within highly regulated or mission-critical operational environments. PMP, SAFe, Agile, or other project/program management certifications. Soft Skills Strong leadership and organizational skills. Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication abilities. Outstanding stakeholder management and relationship-building skills. Proven ability to influence and coordinate cross-functional teams. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Collaborative, team-oriented, and service-focused mindset. Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills. High attention to detail and commitment to execution excellence. Technology Stack Project and portfolio management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira) Collaboration and documentation platforms (e.g., Confluence, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams) Program reporting and dashboard tools Issue and risk management tracking systems Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio Workflow automation and productivity platforms AI-enabled tools for planning, reporting, documentation, and productivity Physical Requirements Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods. Occasional travel to partner locations, operational facilities, testing sites, and project meetings. Ability to work within technical, laboratory, network operations, or deployment environments as required. Ability to effectively collaborate with globally distributed teams across multiple time zones. Ability to participate in virtual and in-person meetings with internal and external stakeholders. Flexibility to support critical deployment milestones, service launches, and operational readiness activities when needed. 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.