SoC/ASIC Architect

AST SpaceMobile; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile in Edinburgh seeks a hands-on SoC/ASIC Architect to drive architectural definition for high-performance chips used in space-based communications. You will translate system requirements into architectural specs and guide decisions from concept through tapeout, collaborating with hardware, software, verification, and product teams.

The role demands deep hardware/digital design expertise, experience with complex SoCs or ASICs, and strong Python or MATLAB skills.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated capability delivering high-quality architectural specifications.
• Strong background in hardware and digital design.
• Experience working on complex SoCs or ASICs from inception to tapeout.
• Background in some or all of the following areas: Silicon security, Boot flow, CPU architecture, Memory subsystems, Interconnects / NoC, High-speed interfaces, Peripheral subsystems.
• Competency in Python scripting or programming.

Responsibilities

• Work cross-functionally with hardware, software, verification, product, and systems teams to define and deliver SoC architectures.
• Own and author high-quality architecture and specification documentation.
• Guide design trade-offs across performance, power, area, security, and schedule.
• Engage in design, verification, and implementation reviews to ensure architectural integrity.
• Support silicon bring-up and debug through close collaboration with validation and software teams.

Skills

SoC Architecture

Hardware design

Python scripting

MATLAB

Tapeout experience

Education

BEng in Electrical Engineering or related field

Master’s or PhD in a relevant discipline

Tools

Python scripting

MATLAB

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 SoC/ASIC Architect.

The Silicon Team in Edinburgh is a small, highly focused group responsible for developing high-value silicon that is core to AST’s mission of "Connecting the unconnected" - delivering the world’s first space-based mobile broadband network.

The team works collaboratively to define and build next-generation silicon, exploring advanced silicon technologies to continuously improve performance, capability, and efficiency. This is a hands-on environment where silicon decisions directly impact AST’s ability to deliver a global communications network from space.

In this role, you will drive the architectural definition of complex System-on-Chips (SoCs) critical to AST’s satellite communications platforms. You will translate system and product requirements into high-quality architectural specifications, guiding technical decisions from concept through implementation. Working closely with cross-functional internal teams and external partners, you will help ensure timely delivery of robust, high-performance silicon solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Work cross-functionally with hardware, software, verification, product, and systems teams to define and deliver SoC architectures.
• Own and author high-quality architecture and specification documentation.
• Guide design trade-offs across performance, power, area, security, and schedule.
• Engage in design, verification, and implementation reviews to ensure architectural integrity.
• Support silicon bring-up and debug through close collaboration with validation and software teams.

Qualifications

Education

BEng in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience

• Demonstrated capability delivering high-quality architectural specifications.
• Strong background in hardware and digital design.
• Experience working on complex SoCs or ASICs from inception to tapeout.
• Background in some or all of the following areas: Silicon security, Boot flow, CPU architecture, Memory subsystems, Interconnects / NoC, High-speed interfaces, Peripheral subsystems.
• Competency in Python scripting or programming.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• Solid understanding of digital signal processing.
• Experience with MATLAB is a plus.
• Prior experience working on RF, communications or signal‑processing ASICs.

Soft Skills

• Ability to work collaboratively across hardware, software, verification, product, systems, validation, and software teams.
• Ability to work closely with internal teams and external partners.

Technology Stack

• Python scripting or programming
• MATLAB

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel may be required to visit suppliers or other AST SpaceMobile design centers.

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.