RAN System Engineer

Job Description

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. Role Summary AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones. We are seeking a Senior RAN System Architect to lead the definition, integration and optimization of LTE/5G radio systems across a global satellite-ground infrastructure. This role demands deep expertise in RAN architecture and performance engineering, and the ability to translate that knowledge into measurable improvements in cell throughput, reliability, and scalability. You will work at the intersection of beamforming, fronthaul design, scheduler behavior, and interference management to ensure optimal performance across thousands of dynamically served cells. The ideal candidate brings strong experience from a leading RAN vendor, with a clear understanding of baseband design, control, and scheduling pipelines, and how to adapt them for non-traditional deployments like AST?s. Key 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 Take ownership of 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 Take an active role in defining 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 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.