---
title: 'Senior Principal Systems Engineer at AST SpaceMobile'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-principal-systems-engineer-ast-spacemobile-lanham-p7zw453w5egs'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-31'
---

# Senior Principal Systems Engineer at AST SpaceMobile

- **Company:** AST SpaceMobile
- **Location:** Lanham, MD
- **Posted:** 2026-10-20
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-31
- **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4745521005

## 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 Principal Systems Engineer to join our growing team in Lanham, MD. This is a senior technical leadership role with system-level authority across multiple programs: owning system architecture, setting technical direction, resolving the most complex cross-cutting issues, and developing the next generation of systems engineering leads.

The ideal candidate brings a record of leading systems engineering on complex space or comparable programs from concept through launch and operations, is trusted by executives, customers, and engineers alike, and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where no two days look the same.

Key Responsibilities:

- Serve as the technical authority for systems engineering across multiple programs, owning system architecture and technical direction from concept through verification, validation, launch, and on-orbit operations.
- Define and own system architectures and mission concepts, leading trade studies and making and defending key technical decisions in response to customer and internal needs.
- Establish top-level system requirements and govern their allocation, flow-down, and interface control across subsystems, suppliers, and organizations.
- Own technical budgets and margin philosophy (mass, power, link, thermal, schedule) at the program and constellation level, and ensure rigorous tracking across subsystems.
- Drive system-level integration across engineering disciplines (RF, software, mechanical, electrical, GNC, operations) and lead resolution of the most complex cross-cutting technical issues and anomalies.
- Provide technical leadership for proposal and business development efforts, including solution architecture, basis-of-estimate development, and cost/schedule inputs, and represent AST in technical engagements with customers and government partners.
- Serve as senior technical lead for major design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and technical interchange meetings (TIMs), presenting to executive leadership, customers, and independent review boards.
- Lead technical risk management: identify and quantify top program and technical risks, drive mitigation, and advise leadership on risk-informed decisions.
- Define and evolve systems engineering processes, standards, practices, and drive their adoption across the organization.
- Mentor and develop SE leads and engineers, serve as a technical coach across the department, and contribute to hiring and talent growth.

## Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field required; Master's degree or PhD strongly preferred

Experience:

A minimum of 12 years of systems engineering experience, with at least 5 years serving as SE Lead, Chief Engineer, or equivalent on a program of record or flight program, including end-to-end lifecycle experience on at least one program through launch and on-orbit operations

Preferred Qualifications:

- Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Experience in space, satellite, or defense programs, ideally satellite communications, phased array, or RF payload systems.
- Experience establishing or leading SE practices and configuration control processes at the program or organizational level.

Soft Skills:

- Proven ability to lead and influence without direct authority across cross-functional teams and at the executive level.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to brief and build trust with executive, customer, and government audiences.
- Comfort operating in ambiguity: able to define the path forward and make sound decisions when requirements are incomplete or roles are fluid.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with the judgment to balance technical rigor against schedule and cost.
- Ability to manage multiple competing priorities across programs in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.
- Demonstrated mentor who builds technical talent and raises the bar for the team.
- Self-starter who takes ownership and drives issues to closure without close supervision.

Technology Stack:

- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, analysis, and reporting.
- Requirements management tools: DOORS, Jama, or equivalent, with experience defining requirements management practices.
- MATLAB / Simulink for analysis and trade studies (preferred).
- Confluence and Jira for program tracking and collaboration.
- STK (Systems Tool Kit) for mission analysis (preferred).

Physical Requirements

- Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
- Occasional travel to other AST SpaceMobile facilities or customer/government sites (up to 20%).

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)

## Other roles at AST SpaceMobile

- [Radiation Assurance Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/radiation-assurance-engineer-ast-spacemobile-barcelona-mwqddbmbpcaa) — Barcelona, Spain
- [Data Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/data-engineer-ast-spacemobile-riga-a4106z5k9fv4) — Riga, Latvia
- [Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-principal-device-validation-engineer-ast-spacemobile-dallas-e3rfdes9enr0) — Dallas, TX
- [Executive Administrative Assistant](https://feeny.ai/job/executive-administrative-assistant-ast-spacemobile-miami-f4hp8kdc3hw7) — Miami, FL
- [Assoc Electrical Software Test Engr Part Time](https://feeny.ai/job/assoc-electrical-software-test-engr-part-time-ast-spacemobile-lanham-5tc3ttjrbxz0) — Lanham, MD
- [Principle Systems Engineering- Software](https://feeny.ai/job/principle-systems-engineering-software-ast-spacemobile-dallas-pppwznbatsef) — Dallas, TX
- [Senior Director, Program Delivery](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-director-program-delivery-ast-spacemobile-dallas-a86x62ftrfzx) — Dallas, TX
- [Director, Technical Project Delivery](https://feeny.ai/job/director-technical-project-delivery-ast-spacemobile-dallas-ck7aqrrxrjvg) — Dallas, TX
- [RF Test Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/rf-test-engineer-ast-spacemobile-midland-vgd3xgxtw9rq) — Midland, TX
- [Principal Gateway Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/principal-gateway-engineer-ast-spacemobile-dallas-ssbaxscfm2pw) — Dallas, TX