AST SpaceMobile
4G/5G RF Network Planning Engineering Lead (Satellite to Cellular...
AST SpaceMobile - Miami, Florida, United States, 33299
Work at AST SpaceMobile
Overview
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Overview
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.
Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled RF Network Planning Engineer with deep expertise in both 4G and 5G network design and optimization. This engineer will be a central figure in ensuring AST's satellite-to-cellular network meets Tier-1 standards by managing RF planning, coverage design, and cross-domain integration.
Duties and Responsibilities
This role is not theoretical. The engineer will directly support: Translating the current MNOs' cell allocation into a centralized table with ownership, bandwidth, coordinates, and naming conventions. Creating the AST SpaceMobile Network Planning Database as the single source of truth-mapping all cells, eNodeBs, frequency bands, and their relationship across all network layers, from CellRANCorePLMN ID. Validating the status of each cell to assess deployment readiness. Aligning with MNOs on support and approval for lighting up those cells. Mapping and intelligently affiliating each cell with the appropriate Gateway and eNB based on technical feasibility and load planning. Ensuring gateway infrastructure is equipped to handle planned eNB/BBU/BPMS configurations. Addressing GW evolution and gaps in coverage with scalable plans to meet persistency KPIs. Preparing NCC/NOC/SOC integration in coordination with MNO operational workflows. Key Responsibilities: Lead RF planning for 4G LTE and 5G NR (NSA/SA) networks across diverse environments Develop PCI/RSI/frequency plans and satellite-aware beam design Design clutter-aware propagation models, link budgets, and power analysis Align cell definitions, naming, and metadata with Tier-1 operator expectations Map cell allocations to gateways and eNBs based on performance and load planning Drive gateway readiness planning (BBU, BPMS, antenna density) Support NCC/NOC/SOC readiness tied to MNO integration Feed validated plans into the core network, operational systems
Required Experience & Skills 7-15 years in 4G/5G network planning and optimization Proficient with Atoll, Planet, Asset, TEMS, Actix, QXDM, MapInfo Strong in Layer 1-2 RF design, mobility strategies, and inter-site optimization Deep familiarity with MNO standards, RF compliance, and naming conventions Hands-on expertise in Massive MIMO, Phased Arrays, and Beamforming Experience managing multi-site configurations, sector mapping, and propagation tuning
Preferred Qualifications Experience with satellite-to-cellular or NTN RF modeling Exposure to Open RAN, cloud-native architecture, or advanced 5G orchestration Understanding of eNB/gNB configurations, backhaul planning, and spectrum use
Soft Skills Highly accountable and execution-focused Capable of driving clarity across ambiguity in fast-moving environments Collaborative, cross-functional communication and technical reporting
Tools & Platforms Atoll, Planet, Asset, MapInfo TEMS Investigation, Actix Analyzer, QXDM Excel (advanced), Power BI, Python (preferred)
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.
Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled RF Network Planning Engineer with deep expertise in both 4G and 5G network design and optimization. This engineer will be a central figure in ensuring AST's satellite-to-cellular network meets Tier-1 standards by managing RF planning, coverage design, and cross-domain integration.
Duties and Responsibilities
This role is not theoretical. The engineer will directly support: Translating the current MNOs' cell allocation into a centralized table with ownership, bandwidth, coordinates, and naming conventions. Creating the AST SpaceMobile Network Planning Database as the single source of truth-mapping all cells, eNodeBs, frequency bands, and their relationship across all network layers, from CellRANCorePLMN ID. Validating the status of each cell to assess deployment readiness. Aligning with MNOs on support and approval for lighting up those cells. Mapping and intelligently affiliating each cell with the appropriate Gateway and eNB based on technical feasibility and load planning. Ensuring gateway infrastructure is equipped to handle planned eNB/BBU/BPMS configurations. Addressing GW evolution and gaps in coverage with scalable plans to meet persistency KPIs. Preparing NCC/NOC/SOC integration in coordination with MNO operational workflows. Key Responsibilities: Lead RF planning for 4G LTE and 5G NR (NSA/SA) networks across diverse environments Develop PCI/RSI/frequency plans and satellite-aware beam design Design clutter-aware propagation models, link budgets, and power analysis Align cell definitions, naming, and metadata with Tier-1 operator expectations Map cell allocations to gateways and eNBs based on performance and load planning Drive gateway readiness planning (BBU, BPMS, antenna density) Support NCC/NOC/SOC readiness tied to MNO integration Feed validated plans into the core network, operational systems
Required Experience & Skills 7-15 years in 4G/5G network planning and optimization Proficient with Atoll, Planet, Asset, TEMS, Actix, QXDM, MapInfo Strong in Layer 1-2 RF design, mobility strategies, and inter-site optimization Deep familiarity with MNO standards, RF compliance, and naming conventions Hands-on expertise in Massive MIMO, Phased Arrays, and Beamforming Experience managing multi-site configurations, sector mapping, and propagation tuning
Preferred Qualifications Experience with satellite-to-cellular or NTN RF modeling Exposure to Open RAN, cloud-native architecture, or advanced 5G orchestration Understanding of eNB/gNB configurations, backhaul planning, and spectrum use
Soft Skills Highly accountable and execution-focused Capable of driving clarity across ambiguity in fast-moving environments Collaborative, cross-functional communication and technical reporting
Tools & Platforms Atoll, Planet, Asset, MapInfo TEMS Investigation, Actix Analyzer, QXDM Excel (advanced), Power BI, Python (preferred)
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.