Director, Spaceborne Communications & Defense Networks

AST SpaceMobile; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile seeks a Director of Communications Technology to steer the technical direction of satellite communications systems supporting defense and government customers in Arlington, VA. You will own ground gateways, direct-to-device cellular and space-based networks, and lead architecture trade studies while mentoring a high-performing engineering team.

The role requires expert cellular and satellite knowledge, ability to translate complex tradeoffs, and strong leadership for

Qualifications

• 10+ years in communications development and technology.
• Strong background in satellite gateway systems and cellular networks.
• Proven leadership of architecture development and trade studies for complex systems.
• Expert RF analysis including link budgets and interference considerations.
• Experience developing CONOPS and supporting government/defense missions.
• Track record building and mentoring engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Own architecture and design of satellite gateway systems and D2D cellular/space networks.
• Lead trade studies on satellite, gateway, and handset architectures against requirements, cost, schedule, and risk.
• Provide RF guidance across link budgets, spectrum use, interference, and propagation.
• Ensure systems engineering rigor across requirements, allocation, verification, and integration.
• Drive CONOPS development aligned with mission needs and stakeholders.
• Translate customer objectives into technical requirements and system concepts.
• Build and grow a team of communications and RF engineers; mentor staff.
• Establish engineering best practices, reviews, and standards across the discipline.
• Serve as primary technical contact with government/defense customers.
• Communicate complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences including execs.
• Support proposal development, technical reviews, and down-select activities.
• Collaborate with program management, business development, and broader engineering groups.

Skills

Leadership

Architecture design

RF analysis

Systems engineering

CONOPS development

Mission development

Team mentorship

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related

Job description

AST SpaceMobile seeks a Director of Communications Technology to steer the technical direction of satellite communications systems supporting defense and government customers in Arlington, VA. You will own ground gateways, direct-to-device cellular and space-based networks, and lead architecture trade studies while mentoring a high-performing engineering team.

The role requires expert cellular and satellite knowledge, ability to translate complex tradeoffs, and strong leadership for