Director, IT & Infrastructure

AST SpaceMobile; Lanham (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile seeks a Director of IT & Infrastructure to lead the secure, DoD-aligned IT foundation for its defense labs and gateway facilities. You will own end-to-end infrastructure, achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance, and pair IT with cyber and facility security to protect critical data and missions.

Based in Lanham, MD with potential relocation to Tysons, VA, the role requires US citizenship and active TS/SCI eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in IT, cybersecurity, engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in IT infrastructure and security leadership within the DoD or aerospace sectors.
• Deep knowledge of CMMC Level 2, NIST 800-171, and CNSSP-12.
• Experience managing Facility Clearance (FCL) and overseeing FSO functions.
• Experience managing IT in secure mission-critical environments such as SCIFs, labs, or satellite teleports.

Responsibilities

• Infrastructure Ownership: Manage and scale IT infrastructure across corporate offices, defense laboratories, and satellite gateway locations.
• CMMC & Compliance: Direct the implementation and certification of a CMMC Level 2 network environment.
• Cyber & Space Security: Lead cybersecurity strategy in alignment with CNSSP-12 and NIST 800-171 standards for space systems.
• FCL & Security Leadership: Serve as the technical lead for Facility Clearance (FCL) requirements, ensuring compliance with DCSA standards.
• Cross-Functional Convergence: Align IT, security, and facility protocols to support complex defense programs and protect national security data.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Security leadership

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in IT, cybersecurity, engineering

Tools

CMMC Level 2 tooling

NIST 800-171 tooling

FCL/FSO management tools

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 Director of IT & Infrastructure to lead the technical foundation of our Defense subsidiary. This leader will be responsible for the stand-up and management of a CMMC Level 2 compliant network and will own the end-to-end IT infrastructure across our defense lab and gateway facilities. This role oversees the critical convergence of IT, cybersecurity, and facility security (FCL) to ensure mission-critical environments remain secure, resilient, and compliant DoD standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Infrastructure Ownership: Manage and scale IT infrastructure across corporate offices, defense laboratories, and satellite gateway locations.
• CMMC & Compliance: Direct the implementation and certification of a CMMC Level 2 network environment.
• Cyber & Space Security: Lead cybersecurity strategy in alignment with CNSSP-12 and NIST 800-171 standards for space systems.
• FCL & Security Leadership: Serve as the technical lead for Facility Clearance (FCL) requirements, ensuring compliance with DCSA standards.
• Cross-Functional Convergence: Align IT, security, and facility protocols to support complex defense programs and protect national security data.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in IT, cybersecurity, engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience

A minimum of 10 years in IT infrastructure and security leadership within the DoD or aerospace sectors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of CMMC Level 2, NIST 800-171, and/or CNSSP-12.
• Proven experience managing technical requirements for Facility Clearance (FCL) and overseeing FSO functions.
• Experience managing IT in secure mission-critical environments such as SCIFs, labs, or satellite teleports.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy of documentation and compliance deliverables.

Technology Stack

• Network and infrastructure management tools.
• Cybersecurity platforms aligned with DoD standards.
• Compliance and audit software for CMMC and NIST frameworks.

Physical/ Other Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Position is based in Lanham, MD, with future relocation to Tysons, VA.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active Security Clearance and eligibility for TS/SCI.

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.