Space-Based RAN Engineer: LTE/5G for Satellite Network

AST SpaceMobile; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

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

You will lead end-to-end feature provisioning, model performance, coordinate with DSP/RF/core teams, engage vendors, and communicate with operators and partners. Strong 3GPP knowledge and >5 years in cellular RAN are expected.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in cellular system engineering, RAN performance, or architecture roles (including vendor-side experience).
• Proven experience in real cellular network deployment and optimization (lab and field).
• Expertise in 3GPP specs for 4G and 5G, with hands-on interpretation and application to system design.
• Experience owning or co-owning a technical product roadmap, including prioritization and communicating trade-offs.

Responsibilities

• Define, integrate, and optimize LTE/5G radio systems across the space-ground network.
• Own cell- and network-level performance modeling (spectral efficiency, density, reuse, interference).
• Drive end-to-end feature provisioning from requirements to enablement across the network.
• Translate complex system constraints into 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 satellite, ground, and RAN layers.
• Interface with RAN vendors for debugging, integration, and roadmap alignment.
• Lead end-to-end RAN performance optimization to maximize TpT, coverage, and interference efficiency.

Skills

RAN system engineering

LTE/5G knowledge

Modeling & performance analysis

Vendor collaboration

Technical leadership

Education

BSc or MSc in Electrical Engineering or related field

3GPP/LTE/5G certifications (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

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

You will lead end-to-end feature provisioning, model performance, coordinate with DSP/RF/core teams, engage vendors, and communicate with operators and partners. Strong 3GPP knowledge and >5 years in cellular RAN are expected.