Space-Based LTE/5G RAN Lead

AST SpaceMobile; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a RAN System Engineer to participate in the definition, integration, optimization, and product roadmap execution of LTE/5G radio systems across our space-based cellular broadband network connecting satellite and ground segments to standard mobile devices.

You will own performance modeling, coordinate with DSP, RF, and core teams, define test strategies, and interact with network operators and partners to ensure reliable feature delivery and high-throughput, low-latency

Qualifications

• 5+ years in cellular system engineering, RAN performance, or architecture roles.
• Real cellular network deployment and optimization experience (lab and field).
• Expertise in 3GPP specifications for 4G and 5G with hands-on interpretation for system design.
• Experience owning or co-owning a technical product roadmap with trade-off communications.

Responsibilities

• Ensure robust operation of terrestrial RAN features—scheduling, MIMO, mobility, and interference coordination—over satellite-ground infrastructure.
• Own cell- and network-level performance modeling (spectral efficiency, cell density, beam transitions, interference mitigation).
• Drive end-to-end feature provisioning from requirements to validation and enablement.
• Translate complex constraints and timelines to clear communications for operators, partners, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with system integration, DSP, RF, and core network teams to align baseband behavior with product goals.
• Define test strategies and validation plans for system-wide performance across satellite, ground, and RAN layers.
• Serve as a technical interface to RAN vendors and partners for debugging and roadmap alignment.
• Lead end-to-end RAN performance optimization to maximize TpT, coverage, reliability, and interference efficiency.

Skills

RAN system engineering

Vendor collaboration

Technical communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

BSc or MSc in Electrical/Communications Engineering

3GPP/LTE/5G certifications

Tools

MATLAB

Python

NumPy/Pandas

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a RAN System Engineer to participate in the definition, integration, optimization, and product roadmap execution of LTE/5G radio systems across our space-based cellular broadband network connecting satellite and ground segments to standard mobile devices.

You will own performance modeling, coordinate with DSP, RF, and core teams, define test strategies, and interact with network operators and partners to ensure reliable feature delivery and high-throughput, low-latency