Principal RAN Systems Engineer Verified today
About the Role
AST SpaceMobile is building the first global cellular broadband network in space, operating directly with standard mobile devices. We seek a Principal RAN Systems Engineer to lead operationalization of advanced LTE and 5G capabilities in a complex, next-generation telecommunications environment. You will bridge research and development with production operations, translating system innovations into scalable, service-ready deployments while ensuring performance, reliability, and operational excellence.
What You Will Own
- Lead end-to-end readiness and deployment of RAN features and configurations across production environments
- Define and maintain standardized configuration baselines to ensure consistent network performance and scalability
- Develop high-level design documentation outlining system architecture, interfaces, and deployment strategies
- Drive feature enablement from development through staged production deployment, including monitoring and rollback planning
- Serve as senior escalation point for complex technical issues, leading root cause analysis and resolution
- Manage lifecycle of critical system defects, including validation, regression testing, and production verification
- Create and maintain operational documentation, including deployment procedures and troubleshooting guides
- Support system validation, testing strategies, and performance optimization initiatives
- Act as technical liaison with internal teams, vendors, and external partners to support system integration and feature delivery
- Translate operational learnings into preventive and corrective processes
Your Background
Required:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or related technical field
- Minimum 10+ years experience in systems engineering, RAN performance, or network architecture
- Extensive experience with LTE and/or 5G technologies in production or integration environments
- Proven experience developing system designs, configurations, and technical documentation
- Strong background troubleshooting complex system and network issues with focus on root cause analysis
- Experience working across multidisciplinary teams to deliver large-scale technical solutions
Preferred:
- Experience with non-terrestrial or hybrid network architectures
- Background in RF systems, antenna technologies, or advanced wireless communication concepts
- Familiarity with modern network architectures such as O-RAN or similar frameworks
- Experience with interoperability across multi-vendor environments
- Knowledge of system-level modeling, performance analysis, and optimization techniques
- Experience supporting global deployments or working with external partners and operators
Skills and Competencies
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with ability to influence cross-functional teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to manage multiple complex priorities in fast-paced environment
- Meticulous attention to detail for system configurations and deliverables
- Ownership mindset with ability to navigate ambiguity and drive outcomes
Technical Expertise
- RAN technologies: LTE, 5G NR, baseband systems, scheduling frameworks
- Networking and interface protocols: Ethernet/IP, synchronization protocols, distributed systems
- Modeling and analysis tools: MATLAB, Python, data analysis libraries
- Logging, telemetry, and performance monitoring systems
- Issue tracking and documentation tools: Jira, Confluence or similar platforms
- Standard productivity tools: Microsoft Office Suite
Work Environment
- Standard office or technical lab environment
- Extended periods working at a computer
- Participation in technical troubleshooting sessions and system testing activities
- Occasional travel may be required based on project or operational needs