---
title: 'Software Engineer II – Cybersecurity & Encryption (DoD Programs) at AST SpaceMobile'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/software-engineer-ii-cybersecurity-encryption-dod-programs-ast-spacemobile-6vmw19n0c3zr'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-31'
---

# Software Engineer II – Cybersecurity & Encryption (DoD Programs) at AST SpaceMobile

- **Company:** AST SpaceMobile
- **Location:** Lanham, MD
- **Posted:** 2026-07-21
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-31
- **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4717300005

## 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 Software Engineer II – Cybersecurity & Encryption to support the development, integration, and maintenance of secure software solutions for government, defense, and other mission-critical programs. In this role, you will design and implement cybersecurity features, encryption technologies, and secure communications capabilities that protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with rigorous security requirements.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in secure software development, applied cryptography, vulnerability remediation, and cybersecurity best practices. This individual will collaborate closely with software engineers, systems engineers, security professionals, and program stakeholders to deliver secure, reliable, and high-performing solutions.

## Key Responsibilities

- Design, develop, and maintain secure software applications and services supporting mission-critical programs.
- Implement and integrate cryptographic algorithms, encryption technologies, and secure communications protocols into software systems.
- Develop and maintain authentication, authorization, access control, and key management capabilities.
- Perform secure code reviews, vulnerability assessments, and remediation activities to address identified security risks.
- Support security compliance activities by implementing and documenting required technical controls aligned with industry and government cybersecurity standards.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to address findings from security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing activities.
- Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, and sustainment.
- Develop well-structured, maintainable, and testable code using modern programming languages and development tools.
- Support integration activities involving secure computing environments, hardware security technologies, and encrypted communications systems.
- Contribute to technical documentation, design reviews, security assessments, and engineering reviews.
- Support DevSecOps initiatives, including automated security testing, software assurance, and secure deployment processes.
- Research emerging cybersecurity threats, cryptographic technologies, and industry best practices to support continuous improvement efforts.

## Qualifications

Education

- Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, software engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Relevant cybersecurity certifications are a plus.

## Experience

- A minimum of 4 years of professional software engineering experience with a focus on cybersecurity, secure software development, or encryption technologies.
- Experience developing software applications in secure or regulated environments.
- Experience implementing cryptographic libraries, encryption protocols, or secure communications technologies.
- Experience with software development lifecycle methodologies and secure coding practices.
- Experience working within Linux or Unix operating environments.

## Preferred Qualifications

- Experience supporting government, defense, aerospace, space, telecommunications, or other highly regulated industries.
- Experience with cryptographic protocols, key management systems, and public key infrastructure (PKI).
- Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, risk management methodologies, and security compliance standards.
- Experience supporting security accreditation, authorization, or compliance efforts.
- Experience integrating software with hardware-based security technologies.
- Knowledge of secure communications systems, embedded software, or mission-critical applications.
- Experience with containerization, cloud-native security, or secure DevSecOps practices.
- Familiarity with secure software testing, static analysis, and vulnerability management tools.
- Experience supporting CI/CD pipelines and software automation frameworks.
- Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Soft Skills

- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
- Proven ability to work successfully within cross-functional and multidisciplinary engineering environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and stakeholder presentations.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex software and security challenges.
- Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and integrity of software, security controls, and technical documentation.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
- Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced, evolving technology environment.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in cybersecurity and software engineering.

Technology Stack

- Programming languages: C, C++, Java, Python, Rust, or equivalent.
- Cryptographic libraries and secure communications technologies.
- Version control systems (Git or equivalent).
- Linux and Unix operating systems.
- Static and dynamic application security testing tools.
- CI/CD and DevSecOps platforms.
- Containerization and virtualization technologies.
- Security scanning and vulnerability management tools.
- Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and software debugging tools.
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Collaboration, documentation, and project management platforms.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to review technical documentation, software requirements, architecture diagrams, and engineering data.
- Ability to participate in meetings, design reviews, security assessments, and collaborative engineering sessions.
- Ability to perform detailed software analysis, troubleshooting, and debugging activities.
- May occasionally work in laboratory, integration, testing, or operational environments.
- Ability to travel occasionally as required for program support, customer meetings, training, or testing activities.

Additional Requirements

- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
- U.S. citizenship may be required based on program and contract requirements.

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