Senior RAN System Architect – Satellite-Integrated Cellular Systems

AST SpaceMobile • Lanham, MD

23h • Onsite

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.

We are seeking a Senior RAN System Architect to lead the definition, integration, and optimization of LTE/5G radio systems across our global satellite-ground infrastructure—the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones. This role sits at the intersection of beamforming, fronthaul design, scheduler behavior, and interference management to drive measurable improvements in cell throughput, reliability, and scalability. The ideal candidate brings deep experience from a leading RAN vendor and a strong understanding of baseband design, control, and scheduling pipelines—adapted for non-traditional deployments like ours.

Requirements

• BSc or MSc in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or related field from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of 8–12 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.
• Firm understanding of PHY/MAC/RLC/PDCP/RRC layers and their interplay in baseband systems.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant certifications in cellular systems or wireless communications (e.g., 3GPP, LTE/5G) are a plus.
• Experience with non-terrestrial networks (NTN) or space-ground hybrid architectures.
• 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 (e.g., integration, debugging, 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end RAN performance optimization by analyzing and tuning eNB/gNB behavior to maximize cell throughput (TpT), coverage, reliability, and interference efficiency.
• 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.
• Design and validate advanced scheduling and beam coordination techniques, informed by UE location, spectrum usage, and beam patterns.
• Define and contribute to predictive data models that inform planning, deployment, and scaling decisions across the global system.
• 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 the satellite, ground, and RAN layers.
• Serve as a key technical interface to RAN vendors and partners, participating in debugging, integration workshops, and roadmap alignment.

Benefits

• 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.
• May require occasional travel for integration workshops, vendor engagements, or field validations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees