Senior RF – GNSS & TT&C Satellite Engineer

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.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior RF & GNSS Satellite Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and integration of our spacecraft's GNSS and TT&C RF subsystems. You will own the GNSS architecture and work closely on the TT&C subsystems. This role requires strong RF systems experience to develop link budgets, analyze dynamic systems, integrate hats and test setups, and manage design projects with external antenna vendors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads the technical definition, system design, and documentation for satellite's CSat GNSS subsystem.

• Collaborates on the design and testing of the TT&C subsystem.

• Leads the architecture and system design for all owned TT&C ground stations.

• Drives R&D for new TT&C solutions and frequency bands, owns the TT&C link budgets, and contributes to the link budget tool development.

• Provide support to system-level Compatibility and EMI/EMC testing campaigns.

• Subsystem Ownership & Collaboration: Lead the architecture, specification, and hardware validation of the spacecraft GNSS subsystem, while acting as a core contributor to the design and performance of the TT&C subsystem.

• RF Link Budgets: Develop, maintain, and rigorously analyze comprehensive RF link budgets.

• Antenna Systems & Vendor Management: Act as the technical project lead for external antenna vendors. Define strict RF specifications and oversee the design, review, and acceptance testing of flight antennas.

• Antenna Integration & Testing: Direct the integration of antenna hats and execute comprehensive system-level RF testing. Validate antennas parameters and verify overall RF performance across the spacecraft bus.

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Execute comprehensive RF systems analysis across the full spacecraft bus, including EMI/EMC testing, RF desense evaluations, and characterization of non‑linear RF components.

• Model complex and dynamic systems, evaluate and develop new technologies, drive the qualification process of flight components.

Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5+ years in RF systems engineering, specifically focused on satellite payloads, TT&C, and/or GNSS subsystems.

• Deep theoretical and practical knowledge of RF/microwave engineering, applied electromagnetics, and transmission line theory.

• Specific expertise in GNSS receiver integration and L-band LNA requirements for active GNSS antennas.

• Strong background in spacecraft TT&C radio architectures and ground-to-space RF link dynamics.

• Proven track record managing RF hardware development cycles with external suppliers and defining strict test and qualification parameters.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience mitigating RF interference (RFI) in dense, complex multi-transmitter spacecraft environments.

• Familiarity with environmental qualification standards for spaceflight RF hardware (TVAC, Vibe, EMI/EMC).

• Experience with satellite communication standards (e.g., CCSDS).

• Proven experience in technical supplier/vendor management.

• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for analysis and automation.

Soft Skills:

• Adaptability & Resilience

• Proactive Problem-Solving

• High-Impact Communication

• Collaborative & Mission-Focused

• Commitment & Drive

Technology Stack:

• HFSS and STK (preferred)

• Matlab, Python

• Linux, Docker

• Windows, Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Requirements

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

• This position is based at our Lanham, MD or Midland, TX offices. While primarily on-site, the role requires the flexibility and ability to travel across the US and internationally to support key project milestones, vendor engagements, and on-site integration activities as needed.

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.