Core Network Engineer, 3GPP Wireless

astspacemobile; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is building the first global cellular broadband network to operate directly with standard mobile devices. We seek a Senior Core Network Engineer to design, deploy, and optimize 3GPP core networks (4G LTE EPC, 5G SA).

You will configure interfaces (S1-AP, NAS, GTP, PFCP), build automation in Python/Ansible/Terraform, and lead FAT/SIT/UAT testing with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on telecommunications experience in 3GPP core networks.
• Proven experience with large-scale 4G LTE EPC and 5G Standalone Core deployments.
• Experience with core network solutions from Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, or Mavenir.

Responsibilities

• Engineer, implement, and deploy 3GPP core network elements (4G LTE EPC, 5G SA Core).
• Translate designs into engineering plans with Solutions Architects.
• Configure core network interfaces and services (S1-AP, NAS, GTP-C/U, Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, PFCP).
• Develop automation frameworks and scripts using Python, Ansible, Terraform, and Bash.
• Lead integration between core network elements and RAN, transport, OSS/BSS, and third-party platforms.
• Design, develop, and execute FAT, SIT, and UAT test plans.
• Perform functional, performance, regression, interoperability, and stress testing.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical issues with vendors and teams.
• Support PoCs, field trials, and new technology evaluations.
• Provide expert-level incident support, troubleshooting, and RCA planning.
• Monitor and analyze network KPIs to identify bottlenecks and optimize performance.
• Drive continuous improvement of deployment, integration, automation, and ops processes.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation and as-built diagrams.
• Ensure deployments adhere to 3GPP standards, security policies, and internal guidelines.

Skills

Telecommunications engineering

3GPP core networks

VNF/CNF deployment

Automation mindset

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications

Tools

Kubernetes

OpenShift

OpenStack

VMware

Job description

Position Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Engineer, implement, and deploy 3GPP core network elements, including 4G LTE EPC (MME, SGW, DRA) and 5G Standalone Core (AMF, UPF, SMF, SEPP).
• Work closely with Solutions Architects to translate high-level designs into detailed engineering plans and configurations.
• Configure core network elements, interfaces, and associated services, including S1-AP, NAS, GTP-C/U, Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, PFCP, and 5G service-based interfaces (N1-N15).
• Implement and manage virtualized (VNF) and cloud-native (CNF) network functions across OpenStack, VMware, Kubernetes, and OpenShift environments.
• Develop and implement automation frameworks and scripts using Python, Ansible, Terraform, and Bash to streamline deployment and operational activities.
• Lead integration efforts between core network elements and adjacent domains, including RAN, transport, OSS/BSS, and third-party platforms.
• Design, develop, and execute comprehensive test plans covering Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), System Integration Testing (SIT), and User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
• Perform functional, performance, regression, interoperability, and stress testing for core network services.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical issues through collaboration with vendors, engineering teams, and operations organizations.
• Support proof-of-concepts (PoCs), field trials, and new technology evaluations.
• Provide expert-level support for operational incidents, including troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning.
• Monitor and analyze network KPIs to identify bottlenecks and recommend performance optimization strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for deployment, integration, automation, and operational processes.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, including configuration guides, Method of Procedure (MOP) documents, test plans, test reports, and as-built network diagrams.
• Ensure all deployments adhere to 3GPP standards, security policies, industry best practices, and internal operational guidelines.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related technical discipline.

Experience

• 10+ years of hands-on telecommunications experience with a strong focus on engineering, integration, configuration, and testing of 3GPP wireless core networks.
• Proven experience supporting large-scale 4G LTE EPC and/or 5G Standalone Core deployments.
• Extensive experience working with core network solutions from leading vendors such as Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, or Mavenir.
• Strong expertise in deploying and managing virtualized and cloud-native network functions (VNF/CNF) on Kubernetes, OpenShift, OpenStack, and VMware platforms.
• Hands-on experience with wireless roaming configurations, Diameter signaling, and inter-PLMN connectivity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Direct-to-Device (D2D), Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), satellite connectivity, or emerging wireless technologies.

Soft Skills

• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and drive initiatives from concept through implementation.

Technology Stack

• Deep knowledge of 3GPP standards for 4G LTE (Release 8-15) and 5G (Release 15-18), including core network architectures, signaling procedures, and call flows.
• Advanced expertise in core network protocols and interfaces, including S1-AP, NAS, GTP-C/U, Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, and PFCP.
• Strong understanding o