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RAN Systems Engineer Verified today

AST SpaceMobile · Lanham, MD · Space Systems · first seen 2026-08-11
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About the Role

AST SpaceMobile is building the first global cellular broadband network in space that operates directly with standard mobile devices. We are seeking a RAN Systems Engineer to participate in definition, integration, optimization, and product roadmap execution of LTE/5G radio systems across our global satellite-ground infrastructure.

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

Key Responsibilities

  • 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, and scaled ground GW operation.
  • Drive feature provisioning end-to-end from requirements definition and vendor engagement through integration, validation, and controlled enablement across the network.
  • Manage customer and partner expectations by translating complex system constraints and development timelines into clear, honest communications; serve as the primary technical point of contact for feature-related inquiries.
  • 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 satellite, ground, and RAN layers.
  • Serve as a key technical interface to RAN vendors and partners, participating in debugging, integration workshops, and roadmap alignment.
  • Lead end-to-end RAN performance optimization by analyzing and tuning eNB/gNB behavior to maximize cell throughput, coverage, reliability, and interference efficiency.

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.

Required Experience

  • Minimum 5 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.
  • 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 for integration, debugging, and 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.

Key Skills

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross-functional technical discussions across DSP, RF, Systems, and Core teams.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • RAN and Baseband: eNB/gNB stacks, scheduler frameworks, MIMO, beamforming, HARQ, CQI/PMI/RI, mobility, ICIC, eICIC, CoMP.
  • Interfaces and Transport: CPRI/eCPRI, O-RAN interfaces, Ethernet/IP transport, timing and synchronization (PTP, GPS).
  • Modeling and Simulation: MATLAB, Python, NumPy, Pandas, simulation tools for link and system-level performance.
  • Data and Visualization: Jupyter, data pipelines for KPI analysis, familiarity with logging and telemetry systems.
  • Standards: 3GPP (LTE/NR), NTN-related specifications, 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.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
  • May require occasional travel for integration workshops, vendor engagements, customer visits, or field validations.