Principal RF Engineer

astspacemobile; Dallas (TX); Presencial; USD 130 000 - 170 000; Tempo integral

Resumo da oferta

AST SpaceMobile is seeking an experienced RF Systems Engineer in Dallas, TX to design, analyze, and optimize space-based cellular links. You will develop link budgets, RF performance models, and weather-aware feeder analyses to ensure high availability and quality of service.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine modulation, coding, and throughput strategies, and to mitigate RF hardware impairments.

Qualificações

• Minimum 5 years of RF systems engineering, satellite/comms, or link analysis.
• Experience developing and maintaining RF link budgets and performance models.
• Experience with multi-segment RF systems and architectures.
• Proven ability to lead technical analyses and cross-functional initiatives.

Responsabilidades

• Develop, maintain, and analyze uplink and downlink link budgets (EIRP, G/T, path loss, etc.).
• Create RF performance models to evaluate end-to-end performance under varying conditions.
• Analyze phased array performance: beamforming, scan loss, sidelobes, coverage patterns.
• Evaluate Doppler, delays, latency, and device constraints on network performance.
• Collaborate with network, systems, and RF teams on modulation, coding, throughput, and availability.
• Develop feeder link analyses to assess weather impacts and availability.
• Optimize fade mitigation techniques (ACM, power control, diversity).
• Perform system availability, sensitivity, and trade-off analyses for planning and optimization.
• Analyze RF hardware impairments (interference, phase noise, non-linearity).
• Develop simulations, analytical tools, dashboards, and reports for studies.
• Establish performance requirements and verify design assumptions throughout lifecycle.
• Support troubleshooting with performance baselines and root cause analysis.
• Provide technical leadership on RF system analysis and architecture trades.

Conhecimentos

Strong analytical skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Formação académica

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

RF/satellite certifications a plus

Ferramentas

MATLAB

Python

RF modeling tools

Link budget software

Data analysis tools

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Position Overview

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet - on land, at sea and in flight.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and analyze uplink and downlink link budgets, including EIRP, G/T, path loss, atmospheric effects, antenna performance, fade margins, and system availability.
• Create RF performance models to evaluate end-to-end communications performance under various operational and environmental conditions.
• Analyze phased array antenna performance, including beamforming, scan loss, sidelobe behavior, coverage patterns, and beam isolation.
• Evaluate the effects of Doppler shifts, propagation delays, latency, and user device constraints on network performance and capacity.
• Collaborate with network, systems, and radio engineering teams to assess modulation, coding schemes, throughput, and overall service performance.
• Develop and maintain feeder link analyses using industry-standard propagation models to evaluate weather impacts and network availability.
• Assess and optimize fade mitigation techniques such as adaptive coding and modulation (ACM), power control strategies, and diversity solutions.
• Perform system availability, sensitivity, and trade-off analyses to support infrastructure planning and performance optimization.
• Analyze RF hardware impairments, including interference, phase noise, amplifier non-linearity, and other factors affecting system performance.
• Develop simulations, analytical tools, dashboards, and reports to support engineering studies and operational assessments.
• Establish performance requirements, validate design assumptions, and support verification activities throughout the development lifecycle.
• Support troubleshooting efforts by developing performance baselines and assisting in root cause investigations.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on RF system analysis, architecture trade studies, and engineering best practices.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.

Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline preferred.

Relevant industry certifications or specialized training in RF engineering, wireless communications, or satellite communications are a plus.

Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience in RF systems engineering, satellite communications, wireless communications, or communications link analysis.

Experience developing and maintaining communication system link budgets and RF performance models.

Experience working with complex RF systems and multi-segment communications architectures.

Demonstrated experience leading technical analyses, trade studies, and cross-functional engineering initiatives.

Experience supporting communications infrastructure deployment, optimization, or operational performance assessments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with satellite communications, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or advanced wireless communication systems.
• Familiarity with atmospheric propagation modeling and communications availability analysis methodologies.
• Knowledge of adaptive coding and modulation, power control systems, and diversity techniques.
• Experience with phased array antennas, beamforming architectures, and antenna calibration concepts.
• Familiarity with systems engineering methodologies, requirements management, and performance validation processes.
• Graduate-level coursework or advanced education in RF engineering, communications systems, or signal processing.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with a continuous learning mindset.

Technology Stack

• MATLAB
• Python
• RF modeling and simulation tools
• Link budget analysis software
• Data analysis and visualization tools