RAN Deployment Engineer

AST SpaceMobile•Miami, FL

About The Position

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 Deliver RAN deployment activities across gateway, RAN equipment installations & cell site builds to enable stable satellite to mobile connectivity. This role executes installation and integration work, coordinates with regional engineering, NOC, vendors, and global deployment teams, and ensures sites progress from build, install to activation with the quality and readiness expected for global satellite network operations in the United States.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, computer engineering, or related technical field
Associate degree with relevant telecommunications experience accepted
Minimum 4+ years in telecommunications field deployment, network installation, or wireless infrastructure commissioning
2+ years hands-on experience with RAN deployment, cell site installation, or wireless network infrastructure and CIQ handling
Proven experience with field installation, testing, and commissioning of complex telecommunications equipment
Strong understanding of RAN technologies, wireless communications principles, and telecommunications infrastructure
Knowledge of installation procedures for telecommunications equipment including Rack, eNodeB antennas, transceivers, GPS & CSR and network infrastructure
Familiarity with configuration management, software provisioning, and equipment commissioning processes
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills for complex technical issues in field environments
Excellent communication skills for coordination with multiple technical teams and stakeholders
Proven ability to work independently in field environments while maintaining safety and quality standards
Experience with technical documentation, test reporting, and deployment validation procedures
Proficiency with RF testing equipment including spectrum analysers, power meters
Experience with network configuration tools and equipment management systems
Familiarity with field measurement software and data collection tools used in wireless deployment
Knowledge of safety equipment and procedures required for telecommunications field work
Field Installation Expertise: Hands-on experience with telecommunications equipment installation, cabling, and commissioning procedures
RF Testing & Validation: Proficiency with RF measurement equipment and wireless network performance validation techniques
Technical Troubleshooting: Systematic approach to identifying and resolving complex technical issues in field environments
Safety Consciousness: Commitment to safety procedures and compliance with telecommunications industry safety standards
Documentation & Reporting: Clear technical writing and accurate documentation of deployment activities and test results
Team Coordination: Effective collaboration across multiple technical disciplines and organizational boundaries
Role will be based in United States with extensive travel for field deployment activities across multiple regions (~50%)
Ability to perform physical field work including equipment installation,
Valid driver's license and ability to travel to remote deployment sites as required by project schedules
Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and extended shifts during critical deployment phases

Nice To Haves

Experience with satellite communications systems, satellite-RAN integration, or space-terrestrial network deployment
Background in field deployment roles at wireless carriers, equipment vendors, or telecommunications contractors
Knowledge of safety procedures and compliance requirements for telecommunications field work
Experience with network monitoring systems and performance validation tools
Familiarity with project coordination and deployment management practices

Responsibilities

Deliver RAN deployment activities including cell‑site builds, managing end-to-end field installation processes for satellite-RAN infrastructure
Execute installation checks and commissioning procedures to validate proper equipment mounting, cabling, power connections, and environmental controls
Validate CIQ inputs/outputs and CIQ-to-SCF generation to avoid deployment rework
Validate Cell site router to Core integration, transport readiness
Perform configuration uploads and software provisioning to ensure RAN equipment is properly configured according to deployment specifications
Perform and validate BPMS to eNB port mapping, transport, clocking, and interface readiness
Support Beam Go / No-Go readiness reviews and provide technical sign-off inputs
Own technical handover from Delivery to Service Acceptance, ensuring all acceptance criteria and artifacts are met
Enable stable satellite‑mobile connectivity through systematic installation, integration, and validation of RAN components and interfaces
Perform probe validations and acceptance testing to verify RAN functionality, connectivity, and performance against established criteria
Conduct integration testing between satellite-RAN equipment and terrestrial network components to ensure seamless connectivity
Execute acceptance tasks including functional testing, performance validation, and documentation completion for site commissioning
Execute Acceptance checks with vendors for handover to Service Acceptance
Coordinate with regional engineering, NOC, vendors, and global deployment teams to align deployment activities with project schedules and technical requirements
Interface with network operations centres to ensure proper monitoring integration and operational readiness during deployment phases
Work with vendor teams to resolve equipment issues, on site hardware delivery, coordinate software updates, and ensure proper installation procedures
Collaborate with global deployment teams to maintain consistency in deployment standards and share lessons learned across regions
Resolve technical blockers encountered during deployment including equipment failures, configuration issues, and integration challenges
Troubleshoot complex technical problems affecting RAN performance, connectivity, or functionality during installation and commissioning
Ensure reliable RAN readiness supporting global satellite network activation through comprehensive validation and quality assurance processes
Document and escalate unresolved issues to appropriate technical teams while implementing temporary workarounds to maintain deployment schedules