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Principal NTN Radio Access and Mobility Engineer Verified today

AST SpaceMobile · Dallas, TX · RF & Comms · first seen 2026-08-12
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Role

AST SpaceMobile is building the first global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard mobile devices. We need a Principal NTN Radio Access and Mobility Engineer to support end-to-end integration of all Gateway platform components, including the eNodeB, gNodeB, BPMS, and GPS Reference System, plus their integration with Antenna, RF systems, NCC, and OSS systems.

You will define, lifecycle-manage, and document the network SKU across all Gateway types, and lead the networking First Office Application (FOA) for each new Gateway SKU to ensure R&D and vendor products are ready to deploy at scale.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end integration of Gateway platform components (eNodeB, gNodeB, BPMS, GPS Reference System) across all Gateway types.
  • Define, lifecycle-manage, and document network SKU (hardware and software) for each platform component.
  • Develop and maintain acceptance testing procedures, pass/fail criteria, and golden configurations.
  • Support integration of platform components with Antenna, RF systems, NCC, and OSS systems.
  • Lead networking First Office Application (FOA) for each new Gateway SKU.
  • Define, validate, and optimize NTN radio-access behavior; investigate and resolve timing, frequency, and Doppler-related issues.
  • Develop mobility strategies across beams, satellites, gateways, and terrestrial networks; define handover behavior between terrestrial and satellite coverage.
  • Translate R&D radio algorithms into production operating parameters and define QoS for voice, messaging, and data.
  • Establish radio-performance KPIs and investigate failed registrations, dropped sessions, and degraded throughput.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, RF engineering, telecommunications engineering, or related technical field.

Experience: 5+ years in radio access network (RAN) engineering with direct work on LTE and/or 5G systems, including:

  • Integrating and testing eNodeB, gNodeB, or comparable RAN network elements in a production environment.
  • Defining hardware/software SKUs, acceptance test plans, and golden configurations for complex network products.
  • Leading First Office Application (FOA) or first-deployment validation efforts for new network products.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Direct experience with satellite or Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) systems, including satellite-to-device or satellite backhaul architectures.
  • Familiarity with GPS/GNSS reference systems and precision timing/synchronization architectures.
  • Experience working directly with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on network integration or interoperability testing.
  • Familiarity with OSS/NCC systems and their integration with RAN network elements.
  • Background in RF systems or antenna integration as it relates to end-to-end network performance.

Skills and Competencies

  • Deep command of LTE and 5G radio-access protocols and 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) specifications.
  • Expert knowledge of RRC, MAC, RLC, and PDCP layers.
  • Hands-on expertise in timing advance, Doppler compensation, link adaptation, mobility management, beam transitions, cell selection and reselection, handover and session continuity, and radio-resource optimization.
  • Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication with ability to convey complex technical concepts.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with methodical troubleshooting approach.
  • Meticulous attention to detail in technical documentation and test results.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills managing multiple projects and priorities.
  • Ability to work independently and within team environments.

Technology Stack

  • LTE and 5G NR protocol stacks (RRC, MAC, RLC, PDCP layers).
  • 3GPP NTN specifications and standards documentation.
  • eNodeB, gNodeB, and BPMS platforms and configuration management tooling.
  • GPS/GNSS reference and timing systems.
  • RF test equipment and protocol/network analyzers (signaling analyzers, spectrum analyzers).
  • Network Control Center (NCC) and OSS platforms.
  • Test automation and acceptance-test frameworks for network hardware/software validation.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work in standard office environment and use 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.
  • Ability to capture, analyze, and document technical test procedures, results, and system performance data.