Sr. SAT-RAN Engineer - Defense Programs

About this role

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.

• Microso

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