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 Principal Satellite to Ground Integration Engineer to support the integration, deployment, and lifecycle management of Q/V-band transmission systems in a satellite communications gateway environment. This role is responsible for owning the Q/V transmission subsystems — antennas, amplifiers, frequency conversion equipment, and indoor/outdoor RF infrastructure — including configuration baselines, acceptance and calibration processes, and system integration, to ensure operational readiness across multiple gateway deployments. The ideal candidate is a deep expert in Q/V-band transmission, RF integration, testing, and troubleshooting, and thrives in a cross-functional environment spanning engineering, operations, and product teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the subject matter expert for Q/V-band transmission systems, including antennas, amplifiers, frequency converters, and associated RF infrastructure throughout the system lifecycle.
- Define, document, and maintain configuration baselines and approved hardware/software combinations for Q/V transmission systems deployed across multiple gateway environments.
- Develop and maintain acceptance test procedures, performance validation methods, calibration processes, and pass/fail criteria to ensure system compliance and operational readiness.
- Support the integration of Q/V transmission systems with network, monitoring, and operational support platforms.
- Lead technical readiness activities for new gateway deployments, including test planning, execution, issue resolution, and operational acceptance.
- Troubleshoot RF performance and system-level issues in laboratory and field environments, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
- Collaborate with hardware, software, network, and operations teams to ensure successful deployment and ongoing performance of gateway RF systems.
- Create and maintain technical documentation, including system specifications, test procedures, calibration records, configuration baselines, and deployment reports.
- Provide technical guidance and training to internal stakeholders and external partners on Q/V transmission system operation, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on system reliability, scalability, and performance optimization.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, RF engineering, telecommunications engineering, or a related technical field.
Experience:
- A minimum of 5 years of experience working with Q/V-band satellite transmission systems, including system design, RF integration, testing, deployment, or operational support.
- Experience troubleshooting RF communications systems.
- Experience supporting system-level integration activities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated expertise in Q/V-band transmission system design, operation, performance analysis, and optimization.
- Strong understanding of satellite communications architectures and gateway RF infrastructure.
- Knowledge of 4G and 5G wireless communication standards and satellite-terrestrial network integration concepts.
- Experience developing technical specifications, operational procedures, test plans, and engineering documentation.
- Hands-on experience with system-level testing, acceptance validation, calibration methodologies, and performance verification processes.
- Experience integrating RF systems with network management, monitoring, or operational support platforms.
- Familiarity with deployment readiness, field acceptance testing, and new system introduction activities.
- Understanding of ground segment communications systems and related RF technologies.
Soft Skills:
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships across technical and non-technical teams.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional engineering, product, and operations organizations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
- Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of technical documentation, test results, and project deliverables.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
Technology Stack:
- Q/V-band satellite transmission systems.
- Antenna systems, high-power amplifiers, frequency converters, and RF signal distribution equipment.
- Indoor and outdoor RF communications infrastructure.
- RF and optical conversion technologies.
- Telemetry and system monitoring solutions.
- Test and measurement equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, and network analyzers.
- Technical documentation and configuration management tools.
- Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration platforms.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to work in laboratory and technical testing environments utilizing RF test equipment and diagnostic tools.
- Ability to travel periodically to support deployment, integration, testing, and operational activities.
- Ability to safely handle and move technical equipment and hardware components when necessary.
- Ability to capture, analyze, and document technical test procedures, results, and system performance data.
This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.
AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.