--- title: 'Lead Systems Engineer, Defense Programs at AST SpaceMobile' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/lead-systems-engineer-defense-programs-ast-spacemobile-lanham-maryland-2a6vqda0fad5' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-12' --- # Lead Systems Engineer, Defense Programs at AST SpaceMobile - **Company:** AST SpaceMobile - **Location:** Lanham Maryland, United States - **Posted:** 2026-06-03 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12 - **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4700027005 ## 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. Position Overview We are seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to support AST SpaceMobile's growing defense business, applying our commercial space-based broadband solutions to government and defense missions. Based in Lanham, MD, this role serves as the primary systems engineering interface between our commercial satellite network capabilities and defense customer requirements. The ideal candidate holds an active TS clearance and brings deep experience translating defense mission needs into system-level solutions. Key Responsibilities: - Serve as the lead systems engineer for defense-focused programs, owning requirements definition, architecture, CONOPs defintion, integration, and verification across the full system lifecycle - Translate defense customer mission needs and operational concepts into system-level and subsystem requirements with clear traceability - Lead requirements flow-down and allocation across satellite, ground, and communications subsystems - Interface directly with government customers, program managers, and defense contractors to align technical baselines and manage change - Lead system-level trade studies, risk assessments, and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) for defense programs - Coordinate with commercial engineering teams to identify capability gaps and drive adaptations of AST's SpaceMobile network for defense mission requirements - Support proposal development, technical volume authoring, and Basis of Estimate (BoE) for new defense business opportunities - Maintain system engineering artifacts including ConOps, ICDs, verification plans, and traceability matrices - Mentor junior systems engineers on defense programs and champion systems engineering best practices across the team ## Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. Advanced degree preferred. Experience: - A minimum of 8 years of systems engineering experience, with at least 4 years supporting DoD or defense programs. - Active Secret (S) security clearance required; TS/SCI eligible preferred. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with active or passive RF systems engineering in a defense or aerospace context - Experience with systems engineering tools for requirements management, modeling, and verification (e.g., JAMA, or equivalent) - Familiarity with RF propagation, link budgets, and RF system performance analysis in contested or space-based environments - Experience supporting C2, ISR, or PNT mission applications - Prior experience at a commercial space company, defense prime, or government lab - Active TS/SCI clearance Soft Skills: - Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with government customers, defense contractors, and internal commercial engineering teams - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior government or military stakeholders - Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy of all technical documentation and program deliverables - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple programs - Self-starter with a proactive mindset and the ability to operate with limited supervision Technology Stack: - Requirements management and systems engineering - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) - Systems modeling and analysis tools (MATLAB/Simulink, STK, or equivalent) Physical Requirements - Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods - Ability to travel up to 25% to customer sites, government facilities, and other AST SpaceMobile locations as needed - May require occasional work in a laboratory or satellite operations environment Additional Requirement This position requires an active U.S. government security clearance, or the ability to obtain one. U.S. citizenship is required. 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. 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