Senior Systems Architect – Space & On-Orbit Lead

AST SpaceMobile; Lanham (MD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile in Lanham, MD seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to lead system architecture across programs, guiding trade studies and key technical decisions for launch and on-orbit operations.

You will own requirements allocation, manage budgets, and drive cross-disciplinary integration (RF, software, mechanical, GNC, ops). This senior role includes mentoring SE leads, shaping processes, and representing the company in engagements with customers and government partners.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of systems engineering experience
• At least 5 years serving as SE Lead, Chief Engineer, or equivalent
• End-to-end lifecycle experience on a program through launch and on-orbit operations

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for systems engineering across programs
• Define and own system architectures and mission concepts
• Establish top-level system requirements and allocation and interface control
• Own technical budgets and margin philosophy across programs
• Drive system-level integration across engineering disciplines
• Provide technical leadership for proposals and business development
• Lead major design reviews and TIMs with executive audiences
• Lead risk management and mitigation decisions
• Define and evolve SE processes and standards
• Mentor SE leads and engineers and contribute to hiring

Skills

Systems leadership

Architecture definition

Trade studies

Risk management

Technical communication

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree or PhD preferred

Tools

DOORS

Jama

MATLAB/Simulink

Confluence/Jira

STK

Job description

AST SpaceMobile in Lanham, MD seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to lead system architecture across programs, guiding trade studies and key technical decisions for launch and on-orbit operations.

You will own requirements allocation, manage budgets, and drive cross-disciplinary integration (RF, software, mechanical, GNC, ops). This senior role includes mentoring SE leads, shaping processes, and representing the company in engagements with customers and government partners.