---
title: 'Fleet Scheduler Data Scientist at AST SpaceMobile'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/fleet-scheduler-data-scientist-ast-spacemobile-lanham-6ffm0dy6kkm9'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-31'
---

# Fleet Scheduler Data Scientist at AST SpaceMobile

- **Company:** AST SpaceMobile
- **Location:** Lanham, MD
- **Posted:** 2026-08-25
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-31
- **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4723586005

## Job description

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 a Fleet Scheduler Data Scientist to define, build, and operationalize algorithms that optimize and control this network. This role will lead the design and deployment of AI and ML powered large-scale combinatorial optimization algorithms that drive predictive planning and reactive real-time control loops. This role requires a deep understanding of state-of-the-art techniques in combinatorial optimization of heterogeneous graphs for system scheduling, and must develop an understanding of a host of underlying systems and subsystems to efficiently incorporate their features into both predictive and reactive action planning loops. This person will work in coordination with software engineers to implement the algorithms and models that are developed, and will also work closely with aerospace, network, and operations engineering teams to translate physics- and constraint-driven system behavior into scalable prediction, optimization, and control architectures.

Key Responsibilities:

- Own the architecture of AI and ML powered satellite and ground scheduling algorithms.
- Design and deploy large-scale combinatorial optimization algorithms, with approaches ranging from mixed-integer programming and heuristics to reinforcement-learning-based solvers operating on heterogeneous graphs.
- Incorporate state-of-the-art techniques in combinatorial optimization, learning-augmented planning, graph-based scheduling, and computational efficiency.
- Create a multi-tiered scheduling system, from high-level control of major satellite activities through mid-level control of system configurations and settings.
- Develop physics-informed ML models that accurately predict satellite behaviors, utilizing simulated spacecraft model data and satellite telemetry data for fine-tuning.
- Ensure all models and optimizers are production-grade: data pipelines, training, validation, deployment, monitoring, and drift management.
- Partner with satellite engineers to develop simulated training data, define key system physics, and ensure models reflect true system behavior and constraints.
- Coordinate with satellite engineers to incorporate fleet modeling into design analysis and trades.
- Identify and drive new opportunities for AI and ML across design, manufacturing, and in-orbit operations.

## Qualifications

Education:

BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, Aerospace, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience:

- 5-7+ years delivering AI, ML, and other optimization systems in production environments.
- Demonstrated experience solving large-scale combinatorial optimization problems (e.g., scheduling, resource allocation, logistics, network capacity).
- Strong background in traditional optimization methods, including mixed-integer programming, constraint programming, or related techniques.
- Experience modeling and solving large-scale problems represented as graphs or heterogeneous graph structures.
- Strong Python and ML/optimization tooling (e.g., PyTorch).
- Experience building data pipelines and deploying models into operational systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience with reinforcement learning, multi-agent systems, or hybrid ML + optimization.
- Familiarity with satellite operations and RF communications.
- Experience building real-time or safety-critical decision systems.
- Prior technical leadership of AI/ML or optimization teams.

Soft Skills:

- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, partnering effectively with software, aerospace, network, and operations engineering teams.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex physics- and constraint-driven system behavior into clear technical requirements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and drive new AI/ML opportunities across design, manufacturing, and operations.
- Meticulous attention to detail in model validation, production readiness, and drift monitoring.

Technology Stack:

- Python and ML/optimization tooling such as PyTorch.
- Mixed-integer programming, constraint programming, and heuristic optimization solvers.
- Reinforcement learning frameworks and graph-based/heterogeneous graph modeling tools.
- Data pipeline and MLOps tooling for training, validation, deployment, monitoring, and drift management.
- Simulated spacecraft modeling and satellite telemetry data platforms.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
- Ability to use a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to work in a standard office environment.
- Ability to travel occasionally to support cross-team collaboration or reviews 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.

## About AST SpaceMobile

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard, unmodified smartphones.
- **Entity Type**: Public (Nasdaq: ASTS)
- **Headquarters**: Midland, Texas, USA
- **Founded**: 2017
- **Founders**: Abel Avellan

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Space-based telecommunications / Satellite broadband
- **Target customers**: B2B (mobile network operators), B2C (indirectly through MNOs), and government/defense agencies
- **Mission**: To eliminate connectivity gaps faced by today’s nearly six billion mobile subscribers and bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected using a space-based cellular network.

## Products & Services
- **[SpaceMobile Network]**: A space-based cellular broadband network that delivers 4G/5G connectivity directly to standard smartphones without any hardware modifications, apps, or software updates.
- **[BlueBird Satellites]**: The company’s commercial satellite constellation, designed to provide full broadband coverage globally. BlueBird satellites are among the largest commercial communications arrays in low Earth orbit.
- **[BlueWalker 3]**: The prototype satellite used to demonstrate world-first voice, 5G, and video calls from space to ordinary phones.
- **[Government & Defense Solutions]**: Tailored connectivity for tactical and public safety applications (e.g., FirstNet tests, government contracts).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Market capitalization exceeded $8 billion as of August 2024 (stock price ~$38.60). More recent figures are not publicly available but the company has raised over $2 billion as of Q2 2025.
- **Key Metric (Total Funding)**: Over $2 billion raised (debt and equity) as of Q2 2025.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Vodafone, Rakuten, American Tower, Samsung Next, Cisneros, Google (product partnership), AT&T, Verizon, FirstNet Authority.
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Partnerships with nearly 60 mobile network operators covering ~3 billion combined subscribers.
  - Successfully completed first VoLTE voice calls, video calls, and 5G data connections using standard smartphones via satellite.
  - First public safety tests on FirstNet (Jan 2024) and first activation for government defense use cases (June 2025).
  - Commercial contract with Vodafone through 2034 for Europe and Africa.
  - 578 employees as of 2024; expanding manufacturing and office footprint globally.

## Competitive Advantages
- **First-mover**: Only company offering direct-to-smartphone satellite broadband with no specialized hardware or software required.
- **Patent Moat**: Over 3,800 patents and pending claims protecting proprietary technology.
- **MNO Integration**: Deep partnerships with major global operators enable seamless integration with existing terrestrial networks.
- **Satellite Scale**: BlueBird satellites feature large phased-array antennas (BlueWalker 3 array is 693 sq ft), providing a field of view over 300,000 sq miles.

## Strategic Focus
- **Constellation Deployment**: Rapidly launching and operationalizing the BlueBird satellite fleet to start generating significant commercial revenue.
- **Global Coverage Expansion**: Targeting full service across multiple continents, with a focus on remote and underserved regions.
- **Government & Defense**: Broadening contracts for secure, tactical connectivity.
- **Technology Advancement**: Continued R&D on next-generation satellite capabilities and network optimization.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Fast-growing company with a startup mindset; employees are encouraged to wear many hats and tackle meaningful challenges.
- **Global Presence**: Offices in Midland (TX), Homestead (FL), Miami (FL), Lanham (MD), Tel Aviv, Barcelona, Edinburgh, Hyderabad, and other locations.
- **Impact**: Opportunity to work on a historic transformation in global connectivity, directly connecting billions of people.
- **Perks & Environment**: Nearly 500,000 sq ft of manufacturing and office facilities; emphasis on innovation, autonomy, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- **Career Growth**: Open positions listed on Greenhouse; values proactive, passionate innovators.

## Sources
1. [AST SpaceMobile Official Website](https://ast-science.com)
2. [AST SpaceMobile Company Page](https://ast-science.com/company/)
3. [AST SpaceMobile Careers Page](https://ast-science.com/company/careers/)
4. [AST SpaceMobile Investor Relations](https://investors.ast-science.com/)
5. [Wikipedia – AST SpaceMobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AST_SpaceMobile)

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