Systems Engineer

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 Lead Systems Engineer to support AST SpaceMobile's growing defense business, applying our commercial space-based broadband solutions to government and defense missions. Based in Lanham, MD, this role serves as the primary systems engineering interface between our commercial satellite network capabilities and defense customer requirements. The ideal candidate holds an active TS clearance and brings deep experience translating defense mission needs into system-level solutions. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead systems engineer for defense-focused programs, owning requirements definition, architecture, CONOPs defintion, integration, and verification across the full system lifecycle
• Translate defense customer mission needs and operational concepts into system-level and subsystem requirements with clear traceability
• Lead requirements flow-down and allocation across satellite, ground, and communications subsystems
• Interface directly with government customers, program managers, and defense contractors to align technical baselines and manage change
• Lead system-level trade studies, risk assessments, and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) for defense programs
• Coordinate with commercial engineering teams to identify capability gaps and drive adaptations of AST's SpaceMobile network for defense mission requirements
• Support proposal development, technical volume authoring, and Basis of Estimate (BoE) for new defense business opportunities
• Maintain system engineering artifacts including ConOps, ICDs, verification plans, and traceability matrices
• Mentor junior systems engineers on defense programs and champion systems engineering best practices across the team 

Qualifications 

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of systems engineering experience, with at least 4 years supporting DoD or defense programs.