Principal RF Engineer

AST SpaceMobile•Dallas, TX

About The Position

AST SpaceMobile is developing SpaceMobile, a space-based cellular broadband network intended to provide 4G/5G-speed connectivity to standard smartphones around the world, including on land, at sea, and in flight. The Principal RF Engineer supports the design, analysis, and optimization of satellite-based communications systems. The role develops RF performance models, link budgets, and coverage analyses to assess end-to-end performance across space and ground segments, and works with cross-functional engineering teams to evaluate system performance, optimize network availability, and support reliable, high-capacity communications solutions. The position also provides technical leadership in RF system analysis, architecture trade studies, and engineering practices. It supports requirements development, design validation, verification, troubleshooting, and operational assessments throughout the development lifecycle. Occasional travel may be needed for engineering reviews, testing, or operational sites. The role is described as at-will employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
At least 5 years of experience in RF systems engineering, satellite communications, wireless communications, or communications link analysis.
Experience developing and maintaining communication system link budgets and RF performance models.
Experience working with complex RF systems and multi-segment communications architectures.
Demonstrated experience leading technical analyses, trade studies, and cross-functional engineering initiatives.
Experience supporting communications infrastructure deployment, optimization, or operational performance assessments.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
Strong organizational and project management skills, attention to detail, and commitment to technical accuracy.
Ability to prioritize competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects and technical priorities to deadlines.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment.
Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods; analyze complex technical data; review detailed engineering documentation; participate in technical meetings, presentations, and design reviews; and remain stationary for extended periods during analysis, modeling, and documentation.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Commitment to high standards of technical excellence, quality, and documentation accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
Relevant industry certifications or specialized training in RF engineering, wireless communications, or satellite communications.
Experience with satellite communications, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or advanced wireless communication systems.
Familiarity with atmospheric propagation modeling and communications availability analysis methodologies.
Knowledge of adaptive coding and modulation, power control systems, and diversity techniques.
Experience with phased array antennas, beamforming architectures, and antenna calibration concepts.
Familiarity with systems engineering methodologies, requirements management, and performance validation processes.
Graduate-level coursework or advanced education in RF engineering, communications systems, or signal processing.
Self-motivation and a continuous learning mindset.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and analyze uplink and downlink link budgets, including EIRP, G/T, path loss, atmospheric effects, antenna performance, fade margins, and system availability.
Create RF performance models to evaluate end-to-end communications under different operational and environmental conditions.
Analyze phased array antenna performance, including beamforming, scan loss, sidelobe behavior, coverage patterns, and beam isolation.
Evaluate the effects of Doppler shifts, propagation delays, latency, and user-device constraints on network performance and capacity.
Collaborate with network, systems, and radio engineering teams to assess modulation, coding schemes, throughput, and service performance.
Develop and maintain feeder link analyses using industry-standard propagation models to assess weather impacts and network availability.
Assess and optimize fade mitigation techniques, including adaptive coding and modulation, power control strategies, and diversity solutions.
Perform system availability, sensitivity, and trade-off analyses to support infrastructure planning and performance optimization.
Analyze RF hardware impairments, including interference, phase noise, amplifier non-linearity, and other factors affecting system performance.
Develop simulations, analytical tools, dashboards, and reports for engineering studies and operational assessments.
Establish performance requirements, validate design assumptions, and support verification activities throughout the development lifecycle.
Support troubleshooting by developing performance baselines and assisting with root cause investigations.
Provide technical leadership and guidance on RF system analysis, architecture trade studies, and engineering best practices.
Occasionally travel to support engineering reviews, testing activities, or operational sites.
Manage multiple projects and technical priorities while meeting established deadlines.