---
title: 'SoC Validation Engineer at AST SpaceMobile'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/soc-validation-engineer-ast-spacemobile-edinburgh-scotland-vyxgc5zjm16b'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-12'
---

# SoC Validation Engineer at AST SpaceMobile

- **Company:** AST SpaceMobile
- **Location:** Edinburgh Scotland, United Kingdom
- **Posted:** 2026-04-15
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12
- **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4685163005

## 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 SoC Validation Engineer.

The Silicon Team in Edinburgh is a small, highly focused group responsible for developing high‑value silicon that is core to AST’s mission of “Connecting the unconnected”—delivering the world’s first space‑based mobile broadband network.

The team works collaboratively to define and build next‑generation silicon, exploring advanced silicon technologies to continuously improve performance, capability, and efficiency. This is a hands‑on environment where silicon decisions directly impact AST’s ability to deliver a global communications network from space.

In this role, the Validation Engineer will be responsible for defining, executing, and reporting on the validation of complex integrated circuit devices, working closely with System Definition, IC Design, and Software teams. This role spans pre‑silicon validation using FPGA prototypes through to post‑silicon bring‑up and system‑level validation, ensuring devices meet performance, functionality, and system integration requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

- Work closely with System Definition and IC Design teams to ensure devices are specified with optimal ball placement and external component selection to meet PCB technology and overall system requirements.
- Define and specify laboratory equipment and infrastructure required to effectively test and validate devices.
- Perform validation bring‑up using FPGA prototypes prior to IC manufacture.
- Define comprehensive validation test plans to validate IC performance either standalone or within a wider system, covering hardware, software, and RF aspects.
- Execute manual bring‑up and planned validation test activities, including fault isolation and debug.
- Define, develop, and implement regression and automation procedures to improve validation efficiency and coverage.
- Produce clear and concise validation reports for technical review and sign‑off.
- Support board‑level bring‑up and debug activities in collaboration with hardware and software teams.

## Qualifications

Education:

BEng in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Experience:

- Minimum of 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Hands‑on experience using laboratory equipment including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, network analyzers, and similar instrumentation.
- Practical experience with scripting or programming languages such as Python, Perl, C, or C++.
- Strong verbal communication and technical documentation skills.
- Experience working effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience with DSP, wireless communication systems, and SerDes technologies.
- Experience validating complex System‑on‑Chip (SoC) designs involving embedded software.
- Background knowledge of RF fundamentals, antennas, and communication theory.

Soft Skills:

- Strong verbal communication skills.
- Strong technical documentation skills.
- Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to collaborate closely with System Definition, IC Design, Software, hardware, and validation teams.

Technology Stack:

- Laboratory validation equipment (spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, network analyzers).
- FPGA prototypes for pre‑silicon validation.
- Python, Perl, C, C++.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to work in a standard office and laboratory environment and use a computer for extended periods.
- Occasional travel may be required to visit suppliers, partners, or other AST SpaceMobile design centres.

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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