RF Systems Engineer

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.

Position Overview

We are seeking an RF Systems Engineer to lead the design, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced antenna and ground communication systems. This role will be responsible for system architecture, RF performance analysis, supplier management, and field implementation activities. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with antenna systems, RF communications, ground infrastructure, and system-level engineering in a complex technical environment.

Key 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.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience:

A minimum of 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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.

Soft Skills:

Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.

Proven 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 with a proactive approach to issue resolution and continuous improvement.

Technology Stack:

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 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Jira, Confluence, or similar project management and collaboration tools.

Requirements management and technical documentation tools.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.

Ability to 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.

Ability to stand, walk, and perform site inspections during installation and testing activities.

Additional Requirements:

Ability to work in a primarily onsite environment.

Willingness to relocate to a designated company work location if required.

Ability to support occasional travel to vendor, test, and operational sites.

Ability to handle sensitive technical information in accordance with company policies.

Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits & Perks

At AST, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

Company-Paid Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance

Company-Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Voluntary Supplemental Benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays

Career Growth and Development Opportunities

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.