Principal RF Engineer

About this role

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…