Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer

astspacemobile; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile seeks a Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer to lead device readiness and validation for our direct-to-device wireless network. You will validate LTE/5G devices, coordinate with chipset vendors and OEMs, and drive certification for commercial launches and onboarding.

This role blends deep engineering with strong customer-facing communication for field and lab activities, ensuring performance and interoperability for global operator deployments from Dallas, TX.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Master's degree preferred in Engineering, Telecommunications, or related discipline
• 12+ years in mobile device validation, chipset validation, device certification, wireless testing, or field engineering
• 5+ years in senior technical lead or equivalent leadership role
• Hands-on validation of mobile devices, modems, or wireless platforms; strong LTE and 5G knowledge
• Experience collaborating with chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, and operators; presenting findings to customers and executives

Responsibilities

• Own device validation strategy for operator onboarding and certification
• Lead lab and field validation for commercial devices (connectivity, throughput, latency, user experience)
• Collaborate with chipset vendors to resolve issues
• Lead customer workshops, testing events, and reviews
• Define readiness criteria, test methods, and launch requirements
• Analyze modem logs, RF measurements, and performance data to identify root causes
• Manage device defect lifecycle from identification to resolution
• Maintain device compatibility matrices and certification documentation
• Develop and present readiness assessments and performance recommendations
• Mentor teams on device behavior and troubleshooting
• Support field trials, proofs-of-concept, and commercial launch readiness

Skills

Mobile device validation

LTE & 5G knowledge

Technical leadership

Customer-facing communication

Data analysis

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

M.S. in Engineering/Telecommunications

Tools

Wireshark

Modem diagnostics

Test automation (Python)

RF test equipment

Job description

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.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer to lead device readiness and validation activities for direct-to-device wireless communication services. This role is responsible for ensuring commercial mobile devices operate successfully across the network by working closely with chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, and mobile network operators to validate performance, troubleshoot issues, and drive device certification efforts.

The ideal candidate combines deep mobile device and modem expertise with strong customer-facing capabilities, serving as a trusted technical advisor during device validation, field testing, onboarding, and commercial launch activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Own device validation strategy for operator onboarding programs, including device selection, test planning, certification requirements, and compatibility tracking
• Lead laboratory and field validation efforts for commercial mobile devices, including connectivity, mobility, throughput, latency, application performance, and user experience testing
• Collaborate with chipset vendors and device manufacturers to resolve device, modem, firmware, and interoperability issues
• Serve as the primary technical lead during customer workshops, testing events, device validation activities, and technical reviews
• Define device readiness criteria, acceptance standards, test methodologies, and launch requirements
• Analyze modem logs, protocol traces, RF measurements, and performance data to identify root causes and resolve technical issues
• Manage the device defect lifecycle from identification through validation and resolution
• Maintain device compatibility matrices and certification documentation
• Develop and present technical reports, readiness assessments, executive summaries, and performance recommendations
• Partner with internal engineering teams to improve device performance, validation processes, and customer onboarding activities
• Support field trials, proof-of-concept programs, beta deployments, and commercial launch readiness activities
• Mentor technical teams on device behavior, performance characteristics, and troubleshooting methodologies

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 12 years of experience in mobile device validation, chipset validation, device certification, wireless testing, or device-focused field engineering
  • Minimum 5 years of experience serving in a senior technical lead, principal engineer, or equivalent leadership capacity
  • Hands-on experience validating mobile devices, modem technologies, or wireless communication platforms
  • Strong understanding of LTE technologies, signaling procedures, device connectivity, mobility management, and wireless performance analysis
  • Working knowledge of 5G technologies and next-generation wireless architectures
  • Proven experience working directly with chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, or wireless operators to resolve technical issues
  • Experience presenting technical findings and recommendations to customers, operators, and executive stakeholders
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with non-terrestrial networks, satellite communications, or direct-to-device wireless technologies
  • Experience supporting commercial device certification and carrier acceptance programs
  • Familiarity with IMS, VoLTE, VoNR, SIM, and eSIM technologies
  • Experience with test automation and scripting using Python or similar languages
  • Experience supporting international operator deployments and device certification initiatives
  • Additional language skills supporting global customer engagements
• Soft Skills:
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong customer-facing presentation and relationship management skills
  • Ability to communicate complex technical topics to both engineering and executive audiences
  • Proven ability to influence external partners and stakeholders without direct authority
  • Strong organizational and project management capabilities
  • Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy
  • Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, highly collaborative environments
  • Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple customers, projects, and technical teams
• Technology Stack:
  • Device logging and protocol analysis tools
  • Modem diagnostics and troubleshooting platforms
  • Wireshark
  • Drive testing and network measurement tools
  • RF test equipment an