Director, Satellite Communications & Defense Systems

astspacemobile; Lanham (MD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Director of Communications Technology to lead the technical direction of our satellite communications systems supporting defense and government customers.

This role owns the technical strategy for ground gateways, direct to device cellular and space-based communications network infrastructure, drives architecture and trade study efforts, and serves as a senior technical voice with customers, partners, and internal leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or higher in electrical, systems, aerospace engineering (advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years in communications development and technology.
• Strong background in satellite gateway systems and architectures.
• Strong background in cellular systems and network infrastructure (RAN, core).
• Experience leading architecture development and trade studies for complex systems.
• Expert RF analysis skills (link budgets, spectrum/interference, propagation).
• Proven systems engineering across requirements, design, integration, verification.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of satellite gateway systems and D2D cellular and space-based network infrastructure for defense missions.
• Direct trade studies evaluating satellite, gateway, and handset options against mission requirements, cost, schedule, and risk.
• Provide expert RF guidance across link budgets, spectrum usage, interference, and propagation considerations.
• Own systems engineering rigor across requirements definition, functional allocation, verification, and integration.
• Drive CONOPS development with mission stakeholders to align solutions with operational needs.
• Support mission development translating customer objectives into technical requirements and concepts.
• Build, lead, and mentor a team of communications and RF engineers; foster technical excellence.
• Establish engineering best practices, reviews, and standards across the discipline.
• Serve as primary technical contact with government/defense customers; articulate capabilities and roadmap.

Skills

Leadership

RF analysis

Systems engineering

Satellite gateway

CONOPS development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Director of Communications Technology to lead the technical direction of our satellite communications systems supporting defense and government customers.

This role owns the technical strategy for ground gateways, direct to device cellular and space-based communications network infrastructure, drives architecture and trade study efforts, and serves as a senior technical voice with customers, partners, and internal leadership.