RF Systems Engineer
About The Position
AST SpaceMobile is building SpaceMobile, a space-based cellular broadband network designed to provide 4G/5G connectivity to standard smartphones worldwide, including on land, at sea, and in flight. The RF Systems Engineer will lead the design, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced antenna and ground communication systems. The position covers system architecture, RF performance analysis, supplier management, and field implementation in a complex technical environment. The role works across engineering, operations, testing, suppliers, and deployment teams to define system requirements and specifications, evaluate and integrate equipment, and deliver installation, testing, commissioning, and acceptance activities. It also supports troubleshooting, performance optimization, operational readiness, and execution of engineering milestones. The position is primarily onsite, may require relocation to a designated company work location, and involves travel of up to 25%.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related technical field.
- At least 5 years of experience in RF Systems Engineering or a related field.
- Experience with antenna systems, ground communication systems, or wireless infrastructure.
- Experience managing suppliers or external vendors supporting technical hardware programs.
- Working knowledge of RF link budgets, system integration, and RF test methodologies.
- Experience supporting installation, testing, and acceptance of RF systems.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering and operations teams.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Strong organizational and project coordination abilities.
- Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy.
- Self-motivated, proactive approach to issue resolution and continuous improvement.
- Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods, as well as work in laboratory, integration, and field environments.
- Ability to travel up to 25% for supplier visits, testing activities, and deployment support.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. when required and to stand, walk, and perform site inspections during installation and testing activities.
- Ability to work in a primarily onsite environment and willingness to relocate to a designated company work location if required.
- Ability to handle sensitive technical information in accordance with company policies.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Nice To Haves
- Experience supporting high-frequency RF communication systems.
- Experience with RF-over-fiber, IF distribution, or similar communication architectures.
- Experience qualifying, validating, and accepting hardware from external vendors.
- Familiarity with satellite communications, aerospace, telecommunications, or wireless network environments.
- Experience supporting field deployment and commissioning activities.
- Familiarity with RF link budget and system analysis tools; MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering analysis tools; RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, and signal generators; Microsoft Office Suite; Jira, Confluence, or similar project management and collaboration tools; and requirements management and technical documentation tools.
Responsibilities
- Define system requirements, architecture, and RF performance specifications for antenna and ground communication systems.
- Develop and maintain RF link budgets, coverage analyses, and system performance models.
- Specify, evaluate, and integrate antennas, RF front-end equipment, and supporting communication infrastructure.
- Plan and lead installation, integration, testing, commissioning, and acceptance activities for ground-based communication systems.
- Manage external suppliers and vendors, including scope, schedules, quality, cost, and deliverables.
- Conduct technical reviews and coordinate issue resolution across engineering, operations, and testing teams.
- Develop and maintain system design documentation, test plans, procedures, and technical reports.
- Support troubleshooting, performance optimization, and operational readiness activities.
- Coordinate project schedules and ensure successful execution of engineering milestones.
- Travel to vendor, testing, and deployment sites as required.
- Support supplier visits, testing activities, deployment support, and site inspections.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Company-paid short-term disability and long-term disability insurance.
- Company-paid life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
- Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Voluntary supplemental benefits.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- Career growth and development opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
