---
title: 'Satellite Operations Engineer at AST SpaceMobile'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/satellite-operations-engineer-ast-spacemobile-lanham-x81snhkz582g'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-31'
---

# Satellite Operations Engineer at AST SpaceMobile

- **Company:** AST SpaceMobile
- **Location:** Lanham, MD
- **Posted:** 2026-06-18
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-31
- **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4707739005

## 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 Satellite Operations Engineer to support real-time operations of AST SpaceMobile’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. This role is shift-based to ensure 24/7 coverage, including weekends and holidays. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background and a passion for space systems, automation, and mission success.

## Key Responsibilities

- Execute planned tasks for LEO satellite operations from the Satellite Operations Center (SOC) in a shift environment
- Coordinate with the satellite and the ground network to configure ground equipment to execute scheduled satellite contacts (pre-pass, pass, and post-pass)
- Execute satellite procedures and upload satellite commands according to contact planning schedule and verify satellite response
- Monitor and process satellite telemetry data and monitor satellite subsystem state of health
- Maintain situational awareness of satellite and ground station configuration and status
- Respond to satellite, ground systems, and network alarms
- Provide triage support to satellite and ground system anomalies, collect data, call in engineers, and support the anomaly resolution team as required
- Operate SOC operations software tools
- Participate in daily shift handover briefings
- Support mission product development including procedure development, test, and validation
- Support system readiness, planning, and preparation for satellite launch
- Attend required and routine training sessions, simulations, rehearsals, conferences, and program reviews

## Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a STEM-related field

Experience:

A minimum of 2 years of satellite operations experience

## Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with LEO satellite constellations
- Familiarity with mission planning, flight dynamics, and ground network operations
- Prior work in a 24/7 operations environment
- Exposure to automation tools and scripting for satellite operations
- Knowledge of satellite telemetry and command systems

Soft Skills

- Strong interpersonal skills
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of all documentation and project deliverables
- Self-starter with initiative and ownership mindset
- Adaptability to rapidly evolving system requirements

Technology Stack

- Satellite command and control software
- Ground network configuration tools
- Mission planning and flight dynamics applications
- Telemetry monitoring systems
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Linux-based systems and scripting (preferred)

Physical Requirements

- Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods
- Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Must be able to remain alert and responsive during prolonged periods of monitoring and operations

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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