---
title: 'Sr. SAT-RAN Engineer - Defense Programs at AST SpaceMobile'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/sr-sat-ran-engineer-defense-programs-ast-spacemobile-lanham-maryland-4dyw9p7n9nft'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-05'
---

# Sr. SAT-RAN Engineer - Defense Programs at AST SpaceMobile

- **Company:** AST SpaceMobile
- **Location:** Lanham Maryland, United States
- **Posted:** 2026-07-21
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-05
- **Apply:** https://ast-science.com/company/careers/?gh_jid=4717303005

## 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 Senior Capabilities Developer to design, develop, integrate, and deploy advanced software capabilities supporting government and defense-related communications programs. This role sits at the intersection of software engineering, systems integration, communications technologies, data analytics, and DevOps, owning the full lifecycle from concept development through operational deployment.

The ideal candidate will have experience developing end-to-end software solutions, integrating complex systems, and translating emerging operational requirements into scalable, production-ready capabilities. This individual will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions that support mission-critical operations.

## Key Responsibilities

- Design, develop, integrate, and deploy software capabilities supporting communications, spectrum awareness, signal analysis, and secure networking applications.
- Build and maintain backend data processing pipelines, automated analytics workflows, and operator-facing applications.
- Develop software solutions for signal monitoring, anomaly detection, data analysis, and operational reporting.
- Implement signal processing algorithms and data analysis workflows to support detection, classification, and geolocation activities.
- Develop and maintain software applications that interface with communications networks, data platforms, and operational infrastructure.
- Contribute to the design, architecture, and implementation of secure communications solutions and resiliency features.
- Collaborate with systems, RF, communications, and software engineering teams to integrate software capabilities with broader system architectures.
- Design and develop user interfaces, dashboards, and visualization tools that present actionable information to end users.
- Support system integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment activities across the full software development lifecycle.
- Manage software deployment environments, configuration control, version management, and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) processes.
- Develop technical documentation, design artifacts, test plans, and user guides.
- Participate in technical reviews, architecture discussions, and capability demonstrations.
- Support proposal development, technical solution planning, and capability enhancement initiatives.

## Qualifications

Education

- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, communications engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Master's degree preferred.

## Experience

- A minimum of 5 years of experience in software development, systems integration, communications systems, capabilities development, or a related technical field.
- Experience delivering software solutions across the full development lifecycle, from requirements through deployment and sustainment.
- Experience developing applications in complex technical or mission-critical environments.
- Proficiency in software development, systems integration, and operational deployment practices.

## Preferred Qualifications

- Experience supporting government, defense, aerospace, telecommunications, or other highly regulated industries.
- Experience with communications systems, cellular technologies, wireless networking, or spectrum management applications.
- Experience with signal processing techniques, data analytics, and sensor data exploitation.
- Familiarity with LTE, 5G, or other modern communications architectures.
- Experience with geolocation, positioning, tracking, or situational awareness technologies.
- Experience developing secure communications solutions and resilient network architectures.
- Experience working with RF data, spectrum monitoring systems, or communications infrastructure.
- Familiarity with containerization technologies and orchestrated deployment environments.
- Experience supporting cloud-based or on-premises infrastructure deployments.
- Active Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) security clearance.

Soft Skills

- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Proven ability to work successfully in fast-paced, dynamic technical environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to address complex technical challenges.
- Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of software solutions, documentation, and deliverables.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take ownership of deliverables.
- Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies and capabilities.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Technology Stack

- Programming languages: Python, C/C++, or equivalent.
- Signal processing and data analysis libraries and frameworks.
- Software development and debugging tools.
- Version control systems (Git or equivalent).
- CI/CD and DevOps platforms.
- Containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes, or equivalent).
- Linux-based development and deployment environments.
- Data visualization and dashboard development tools.
- Communications systems and networking technologies.
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Collaboration, issue tracking, 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, engineering diagrams, and operational data.
- Ability to participate in technical reviews, demonstrations, and collaborative engineering sessions.
- Ability to perform detailed software analysis, troubleshooting, testing, and debugging activities.
- May occasionally work in laboratory, integration, testing, or operational environments.
- Ability to travel occasionally for customer engagements, program support, testing activities, or training as required.

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)

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