Principal RF Engineer

Employer 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 RF Engineer to support the design, analysis, and optimization of advanced satellite-based communications systems. This role is responsible for developing RF performance models, link budgets, and coverage analyses to evaluate end-to-end network performance across space and ground segments. The Principal RF Engineer will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to assess system performance, optimize network availability, and support the development of reliable, high-capacity communications solutions. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop, maintain, and analyze uplink and downlink link budgets, including EIRP, G/T, path loss, atmospheric effects, antenna performance, fade margins, and system availability.
• Create RF performance models to evaluate end-to-end communications performance under various operational and environmental conditions.
• Analyze phased array antenna performance, including beamforming, scan loss, sidelobe behavior, coverage patterns, and beam isolation.
• Evaluate the effects of Doppler shifts, propagation delays, latency, and user device constraints on network performance and capacity.
• Collaborate with network, systems, and radio engineering teams to assess modulation, coding schemes, throughput, and overall service performance.
• Develop and maintain feeder link analyses using industry-standard propagation models to evaluate weather impacts and network availability.
• Assess and optimize fade mitigation techniques such as adaptive coding and modulation (ACM), power control strategies, and diversity solutions.
• Perform system availability, sensitivity, and trade-off analyses to support infrastructure planning and performance optimization.
• Analyze RF hardware impairments, including interference, phase noise, amplifier non-linearity, and other factors affecting system performance.
• Develop simulations, analytical tools, dashboards, and reports to support engineering studies and operational assessments.
• Establish performance requirements, validate design assumptions, and support verification activities throughout the development lifecycle.
• Support troubleshooting efforts by developing performance baselines and assisting in root cause investigations.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on RF system analysis, architecture trade studies, and engineering best practices. 

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline preferred.
• Relevant industry certifications or specialized training in RF engineering, wireless communications, or satellite communications are a plus. 

Experience 

• Minimum 5 years of experience in RF systems engineering, satellite communications, wireless communications, or communications link analysis.
• Experience developing and maintaining communication system link budgets and RF performance models.
• Experience working with complex RF systems and multi-segment communications architectures.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical analyses, trade studies, and cross-functional engineering initiatives.
• Experience supporting communications infrastructure deployment, optimization, or operational performance assessments. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with satellite communications, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or advanced wireless communication systems.
• Familiarity with atmospheric propagation modeling and communications availability analysis methodologies.
• Knowledge of adaptive coding and modulation, power control systems, and diversity techniques.
• Experience with phased array antennas, beamforming architectures, and antenna calibration concepts.
• Familiarity with systems engineering methodologies, requirements management, and performance validation processes.
• Graduate-level coursework or advanced education in RF engineering, communications systems, or signal processing. 

Soft Skills 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with a continuous learning mindset. 

Technology Stack 

• MATLAB
• Python
• RF modeling and simulation tools
• Link budget analysis software
• Data analysis and visualization tools
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Statistical modeling and reporting tools
• Version control systems (e.g., Git)
• Engineering collaboration and documentation platforms 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to analyze complex technical data and review detailed engineering documentation.
• Ability to participate in technical meetings, presentations, and collaborative design reviews.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while performing analysis, modeling, and documentation activities. 

Additional Requirements 

• Occasional travel may be required to support engineering reviews, testing activities, or operational sites.
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs
• Must be able to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and technical priorities simultaneously while meeting established deadlines.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of technical excellence, quality, and documentation accuracy.

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.