Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer

AST SpaceMobile • Dallas, TX

1d

About The Position

AST SpaceMobile is building SpaceMobile, a space-based cellular broadband network intended to provide 4G/5G connectivity to standard smartphones around the world. The Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer leads device readiness and validation for direct-to-device wireless communication services, ensuring commercial mobile devices operate successfully across the network. The role works closely with chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, and mobile network operators to validate performance, troubleshoot issues, and drive certification efforts. It also serves as a trusted technical advisor during validation, field testing, onboarding, and commercial launch activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• At least 12 years of experience in mobile device validation, chipset validation, device certification, wireless testing, or device-focused field engineering.
• At least 5 years of experience as a senior technical lead, principal engineer, or in an equivalent leadership capacity.
• Hands-on experience validating mobile devices, modem technologies, or wireless communication platforms.
• Strong understanding of LTE technologies, signaling procedures, device connectivity, mobility management, and wireless performance analysis.
• Working knowledge of 5G technologies and next-generation wireless architectures.
• Proven experience working directly with chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, or wireless operators to resolve technical issues.
• Experience presenting technical findings and recommendations to customers, operators, and executive stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer-facing presentation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical topics to engineering and executive audiences.
• Ability to influence external partners and stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, highly collaborative environments and manage competing priorities across customers, projects, and technical teams.
• Ability to work in office, laboratory, and testing environments; use computers and test equipment for extended periods; review technical documentation and logs; and participate in customer-facing meetings and testing events.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while performing analysis, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 25–35% as required.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline.
• Experience with non-terrestrial networks, satellite communications, or direct-to-device wireless technologies.
• Experience supporting commercial device certification and carrier acceptance programs.
• Familiarity with IMS, VoLTE, VoNR, SIM, and eSIM technologies.
• Experience with test automation and scripting using Python or similar languages.
• Experience supporting international operator deployments and device certification initiatives.
• Additional language skills supporting global customer engagements.

Responsibilities

• Own device validation strategy for operator onboarding programs, including device selection, test planning, certification requirements, and compatibility tracking.
• Lead laboratory and field validation of commercial mobile devices, covering connectivity, mobility, throughput, latency, application performance, and user experience.
• Collaborate with chipset vendors and device manufacturers to resolve device, modem, firmware, and interoperability issues.
• Serve as the primary technical lead during customer workshops, testing events, device validation activities, and technical reviews.
• Define device readiness criteria, acceptance standards, test methodologies, and launch requirements.
• Analyze modem logs, protocol traces, RF measurements, and performance data to identify root causes and resolve technical issues.
• Manage the device defect lifecycle from identification through validation and resolution.
• Maintain device compatibility matrices and certification documentation.
• Develop and present technical reports, readiness assessments, executive summaries, and performance recommendations.
• Partner with internal engineering teams to improve device performance, validation processes, and customer onboarding activities.
• Support field trials, proof-of-concept programs, beta deployments, and commercial launch readiness activities.
• Mentor technical teams on device behavior, performance characteristics, and troubleshooting methodologies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Company-paid short-term 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior