Network Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; Lanham (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard devices. We seek a Network Engineer to monitor, operate, maintain, and continuously improve complex communications infrastructure in a 24/7 environment.

The role requires strong technical expertise, collaboration across engineering and operations, and a passion for operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, information technology, telecommunications, computer science, or a related technical discipline
• CCNA, Network+, ITIL or equivalent certifications are a plus
• Minimum of 4 years of experience supporting network operations, telecoms, or mission-critical environments
• Experience with network monitoring, troubleshooting, and incident response
• Experience working with cross-functional engineering and operations teams
• Experience in high-availability or large-scale network environments
• Preferred experience in telecommunications, wireless, satellite communications or NOC environments

Responsibilities

• Support the design, implementation, maintenance, and sustainment of network operations infrastructure
• Monitor network health, performance, and service availability across multiple systems
• Support incident management, problem management, monitoring, response, and operational reporting
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve network and service issues with engineering and operations teams
• Escalate and communicate service-impacting issues to stakeholders
• Participate in outage response, service restoration, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
• Develop monitoring procedures and best practices to improve reliability
• Analyze operational reports to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and operations teams to enhance network performance
• Assist with readiness activities for new technologies and capabilities
• Support training and knowledge-sharing initiatives
• Identify process automation opportunities to improve efficiency
• Maintain operational documentation and records
• Contribute to SLA and KPI achievement

Skills

Network monitoring

Incident response

Cross-functional teamwork

Operational excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/IT/CS

CCNA / Network+ / ITIL certifications

Tools

Network monitoring platforms

Ticketing systems

Network performance tools

MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint)

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 Network Engineer to support the monitoring, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of complex communications and network infrastructure in a 24/7 operational environment. In this role, you will work closely with engineering, operations, and support teams to ensure the reliability, performance, and availability of mission-critical network systems.

The ideal candidate has experience supporting telecommunications, networking, satellite communications, or other high-availability environments and is passionate about operational excellence, problem solving, and continuous improvement. This role requires strong technical expertise, collaboration skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design, implementation, maintenance, and sustainment of network operations infrastructure.
• Monitor network health, performance, and service availability across multiple communications systems and platforms.
• Support incident management, problem management, monitoring, response, and operational reporting processes.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve network and service issues in collaboration with engineering and operations teams.
• Escalate and communicate service-impacting issues to appropriate stakeholders.
• Participate in outage response, service restoration, root cause analysis, and corrective action activities.
• Develop and implement monitoring procedures, operational processes, and best practices to improve service reliability.
• Analyze operational reports and performance data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and operations teams to maintain and enhance network performance.
• Assist with the implementation of operational readiness activities for new technologies and network capabilities.
• Support the development and delivery of technical training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Identify process improvement and automation opportunities to enhance operational efficiency.
• Maintain operational documentation, procedures, and technical records.
• Contribute to achieving established service-level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, information technology, telecommunications, computer science, or a related technical discipline.
• Relevant industry certifications are a plus (CCNA, Network+, ITIL, or equivalent).

Experience

• A minimum of 4 years of experience supporting network operations, telecommunications, infrastructure operations, or related technical environments.
• Experience supporting high-availability or mission-critical systems.
• Experience with network monitoring, troubleshooting, and incident response.
• Experience working within cross-functional engineering and operations teams.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with telecommunications, wireless, cellular, satellite communications, or large-scale network environments.
• Experience supporting Network Operations Center (NOC) environments.
• Familiarity with network performance monitoring and analytics tools.
• Experience with operational infrastructure maintenance and support.
• Knowledge of incident management, problem management, and service management best practices.
• Experience supporting infrastructure integration, deployment, and sustainment activities.
• Experience with process automation and operational improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with ground infrastructure, communications systems, or distributed network architectures.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
• Proven ability to work successfully within cross-functional and multicultural environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach to issue resolution.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of documentation and operational activities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to stakeholders at all levels.

Technology Stack

• Network monitoring and management platforms.
• Incident management and ticketing systems.
• Network performance analysis and reporting tools.
• Telecommunications and communications infrastructure technologies.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Network diagnostics and troubleshooting tools.
• Process automation and workflow management tools.
• Collaboration and communication platforms.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to review technical documentation, network diagrams, operational reports, and system data.
• Ability to participate in meetings, troubleshooting sessions, and operational reviews.
• Ability to support a 24/7 operational environment, including occasional off-hours support as needed.
• Ability to respond effectively to service-impacting issues in a time-sensitive environment.
• May occasionally work in laboratory, data center, field operations, or infrastructure support environments.
• Ability to travel occasionally for training, operational support, or business needs.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance is required. Active Secret Clearance is preferred
• U.S. citizenship required due to government contract requirements.

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.