Senior RAN System Architect - Satellite-Integrated Cellular Systems

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.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior RAN System Architect to lead the definition, integration, optimization, and product roadmap execution of LTE/5G radio systems across our global satellite-ground infrastructure-the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones.

This role sits at the intersection of beamforming, fronthaul design, scheduler behavior, and interference management, while also owning the translation of system capabilities into a coherent product roadmap and serving as a trusted technical interface to customers and partners.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience from a leading RAN vendor, a strong understanding of baseband design and scheduling pipelines, and the ability to bridge engineering realities with customer expectations in a fast-moving, non-traditional deployment environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end RAN performance optimization by analyzing and tuning eNB/gNB behavior to maximize cell throughput (TpT), coverage, reliability, and interference efficiency.

• Ensure robust operation of terrestrial RAN features-such as scheduling, MIMO, mobility, and interference coordination-when deployed over AST's space-based infrastructure via standard CPRI/eCPRI interfaces.

• Own cell- and network-level performance modeling, including:

• Spectral efficiency

• Cell density and reuse strategies

• Beam transitions and UE tracking

• Interference prediction and mitigation

• Own the RAN feature roadmap: define, prioritize, and sequence feature delivery in collaboration with product management and engineering leads, balancing technical feasibility, development complexity, and commercial commitments.

• Drive feature provisioning end-to-end-from requirements definition and vendor engagement through integration, validation, and controlled enablement across the network-ensuring new capabilities are introduced reliably and without degrading existing performance.

• Manage customer and partner expectations by translating complex system constraints and development timelines into clear, honest, and actionable communications; serve as the primary technical point of contact for feature-related inquiries from operators, partners, and key stakeholders.

• Maintain a living capability roadmap that honestly reflects the gap between customer-expected functionality and current system state and defines a credible path-with milestones and dependencies-to close that gap.

• Collaborate with system integration, DSP, RF, and core network teams to align baseband behavior with AST's product goals.

• Define test strategies and validation plans that ensure system-wide performance across the satellite, ground, and RAN layers.

• Serve as a key technical interface to RAN vendors and partners, participating in debugging, integration workshops, and roadmap alignment.

Qualifications

Education:

• BSc or MSc in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or related field from a recognized institution.
• Relevant certifications in cellular systems or wireless communications (e.g., 3GPP, LTE/5G) are a plus.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8-12 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 specifications for 4G and 5G, with hands-on interpretation and application to system design.
• Firm understanding of PHY/MAC/RLC/PDCP/RRC layers and their interplay in baseband systems.
• Demonstrated experience owning or co-owning a technical product roadmap, including prioritization under uncertainty and communication of trade-offs to non-engineering stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with non-terrestrial networks (NTN) or space-ground hybrid architecture.
• Hands-on background with beamforming systems, antenna arrays, and RF front-end constraints.
• Familiarity with traffic modeling, scheduler design, and spectral efficiency optimization at scale.
• Experience working with RAN vendors (e.g., integration, debugging, feature enablement).
• Knowledge of fronthaul protocols (CPRI/eCPRI) and transport considerations in constrained or high-latency environments.
• Background in predictive modeling, data science, or simulation frameworks for network planning.
• Exposure to O-RAN architectures and vendor interoperability.
• Experience interfacing directly with MNO customers or enterprise partners on capability delivery, timeline commitments, or technical pre-sales engagements.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross-functional technical discussions (DSP, RF, Systems, Core).
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within distributed, multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to distill complex concepts for technical and executive audiences.
• Comfortable delivering difficult messages-whether to customers facing delayed features or to internal teams pushing back on unrealistic commitments-with clarity, data, and constructive alternatives.
• Skilled at roadmap storytelling: able to frame development trade-offs and sequencing logic in a way that builds confidence with operators, partners, and leadership.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of models, documentation, and deliverables.
• Analytical problem solver with a bias toward measurable outcomes and system-wide impact.
• Ownership mindset; comfortable navigating ambiguity in cutting-edge, non-traditional deployments.

Technology Stack

• RAN & Baseband: eNB/gNB stacks, scheduler frameworks, MIMO/beamforming, HARQ, CQI/PMI/RI, mobility and ICIC/eICIC/CoMP.
• Interfaces & Transport: CPRI/eCPRI, O-RAN interfaces, Ethernet/IP transport, timing/synchronization (PTP, GPS).
• Modeling & Simulation: MATLAB, Python, NumPy/Pandas, simulation tools for link/system-level performance.
• Data & Visualization: Jupyter, data pipelines for KPI analysis; familiarity with logging/telemetry systems.
• Product & Roadmap Tools: familiarity with roadmap management frameworks (e.g., Jira, Confluence, or equivalent) and structured feature tracking practices.
• Standards & Specs: 3GPP (LTE/NR), NTN-related specs, vendor roadmaps and interoperability frameworks.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to participate in lab testing environments with standard RF and baseband equipment.
• May require occasional travel for integration workshops, vendor engagements, customer visits, or field validations.

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.