AST & Science LLC
Principal Engineer – RAN (Satellite to Cellular Networks) Miami, Florida, United
AST & Science LLC, Miami, Florida, us, 33222
Overview
Join us on our mission to connect the unconnected. AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global broadband cellular network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. Our team is on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s 5 billion mobile subscribers and bring cellular broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. Our strategic technology partners include global leaders like AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone Group, Google, Bell Canada, Rakuten Mobile and American Tower. Location:
Miami, Florida, United States Role
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. Responsibilities
Summary:
Act as the end-to-end technical authority for the Radio Access Network within AST’s Satellite & Cellular Networks Integration (SCNI) program. This role blends system-level architecture, Layer 1–3 troubleshooting, and deep RF protocol expertise. You'll lead validation from lab to field, drive performance alignment with Tier 1 operators and other global operators and ensure the radio interface is launch-ready for AST’s direct-to-device satellite service. This role serves as the face of AST for all RAN-related matters—acting as the E2E technical authority across internal teams and external stakeholders, both local and international. Key Responsibilities
Architect and own RAN subsystem integration across satellite and terrestrial interfaces Execute RF analysis, cell parameter tuning, and interference resolution for multi-vendor RAN Lead deep-dive debugging across Layer 1 (PHY), Layer 2 (MAC/RLC), and Layer 3 (RRC/S1AP) Perform log-level analysis using UE tools (QXDM, TEMS, Accuver) and network-side logs Validate handovers, paging, call flows, and KPIs across satellite beam and terrestrial boundaries Collaborate with device OEMs, gateway teams, and satellite payload SMEs to align RF interface Contribute to lab setup, coverage modeling, and automation of testing pipelines Qualifications
15–20+ years of telecom experience with deep technical ownership in RAN, RF, and Layer 3 protocols VoLTE and VoNR expert with hands-on optimization across NTN to TN (Satellite to Cellular) call flows as per 3GPP Release 17/18 The RAN Principal Engineer must have deep expertise across LTE, 5G NR, VoLTE, and VoNR features, with hands-on experience in performance analysis using tools such as QXDM, Actix, and TEMS— owning the validation cycle end-to-end through to production-grade acceptance. Must be able to lead deep-dive debugging across Layer 1 (PHY), Layer 2 (MAC/RLC), and Layer 3 (RRC/S1AP). Proven delivery in Tier-1 operator environments Strong expertise in physical layer design, Layer 3 decoding, and protocol-level troubleshooting Experience with 5G SA/NSA, cloud-native architectures, and satellite NTN adaptations Hands-on with tools: TEMS, QXDM, Accuver, Keysight, Spirent, Anritsu, Wireshark Operator Standards & Tools
IRIS, MOSHELL, NEMO, QA processes Notable Achievements
Led commercial rollouts or lab-to-field transitions in Tier-1 networks Developed architecture or troubleshooting frameworks adopted across OEMs Filed patents or delivered innovative solutions in RF or Layer 3 domains Soft Skills
High accountability and execution under pressure Cross-functional influence without formal authority Exceptional documentation, system modeling, and executive communication skills Independent and result-driven, able to deliver without direct supervision 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. How to Apply
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Join us on our mission to connect the unconnected. AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global broadband cellular network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. Our team is on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s 5 billion mobile subscribers and bring cellular broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. Our strategic technology partners include global leaders like AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone Group, Google, Bell Canada, Rakuten Mobile and American Tower. Location:
Miami, Florida, United States Role
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. Responsibilities
Summary:
Act as the end-to-end technical authority for the Radio Access Network within AST’s Satellite & Cellular Networks Integration (SCNI) program. This role blends system-level architecture, Layer 1–3 troubleshooting, and deep RF protocol expertise. You'll lead validation from lab to field, drive performance alignment with Tier 1 operators and other global operators and ensure the radio interface is launch-ready for AST’s direct-to-device satellite service. This role serves as the face of AST for all RAN-related matters—acting as the E2E technical authority across internal teams and external stakeholders, both local and international. Key Responsibilities
Architect and own RAN subsystem integration across satellite and terrestrial interfaces Execute RF analysis, cell parameter tuning, and interference resolution for multi-vendor RAN Lead deep-dive debugging across Layer 1 (PHY), Layer 2 (MAC/RLC), and Layer 3 (RRC/S1AP) Perform log-level analysis using UE tools (QXDM, TEMS, Accuver) and network-side logs Validate handovers, paging, call flows, and KPIs across satellite beam and terrestrial boundaries Collaborate with device OEMs, gateway teams, and satellite payload SMEs to align RF interface Contribute to lab setup, coverage modeling, and automation of testing pipelines Qualifications
15–20+ years of telecom experience with deep technical ownership in RAN, RF, and Layer 3 protocols VoLTE and VoNR expert with hands-on optimization across NTN to TN (Satellite to Cellular) call flows as per 3GPP Release 17/18 The RAN Principal Engineer must have deep expertise across LTE, 5G NR, VoLTE, and VoNR features, with hands-on experience in performance analysis using tools such as QXDM, Actix, and TEMS— owning the validation cycle end-to-end through to production-grade acceptance. Must be able to lead deep-dive debugging across Layer 1 (PHY), Layer 2 (MAC/RLC), and Layer 3 (RRC/S1AP). Proven delivery in Tier-1 operator environments Strong expertise in physical layer design, Layer 3 decoding, and protocol-level troubleshooting Experience with 5G SA/NSA, cloud-native architectures, and satellite NTN adaptations Hands-on with tools: TEMS, QXDM, Accuver, Keysight, Spirent, Anritsu, Wireshark Operator Standards & Tools
IRIS, MOSHELL, NEMO, QA processes Notable Achievements
Led commercial rollouts or lab-to-field transitions in Tier-1 networks Developed architecture or troubleshooting frameworks adopted across OEMs Filed patents or delivered innovative solutions in RF or Layer 3 domains Soft Skills
High accountability and execution under pressure Cross-functional influence without formal authority Exceptional documentation, system modeling, and executive communication skills Independent and result-driven, able to deliver without direct supervision 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. How to Apply
Interested in building your career at AST SpaceMobile? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.
#J-18808-Ljbffr