High Speed Systems Engineer Lead

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 an experienced High Speed Systems Engineer Lead to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced high-speed electronic systems for next-generation satellite and telecommunications platforms. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with technical leadership responsibilities, driving architecture decisions, mentoring engineering teams, and ensuring successful delivery of complex hardware systems throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of high-speed multilayer PCBs with controlled impedance.
• Define system architecture for high-speed digital and mixed-signal platforms.
• Lead the development of high-speed interfaces including DDR, PCIe, Ethernet, and SerDes technologies.
• Drive signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI), and RF design reviews.
• Oversee schematic design, PCB layout activities, and stack-up definition.
• Perform and supervise signal integrity, power integrity, and RF simulations.
• Lead hardware validation, testing, debugging, and root cause analysis activities.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to hardware engineering teams.
• Coordinate activities across FPGA, RF, embedded software, mechanical, and systems engineering teams.
• Support project planning, technical risk assessment, and resource allocation.
• Review technical documentation and ensure compliance with engineering standards and best practices.
• Support manufacturing, product qualification, and production ramp-up activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across hardware development processes.

Qualifications

Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s degree is considered a strong advantage.

Experience:
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in high-speed hardware and systems engineering.
• Proven experience leading technical projects and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Extensive experience with high-speed digital design and complex PCB development.
• Strong knowledge of signal integrity, power integrity, and transmission line theory.
• Experience with high-speed protocols including PCIe, Ethernet, DDR, and SerDes.
• Experience in system integration, validation, and troubleshooting of complex electronic platforms.
• Hands-on laboratory experience using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, and related test equipment.
• Experience working in satellite, aerospace, telecommunications, or other highly regulated industries.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience leading hardware development teams.
• RF design experience in the GHz frequency range.
• Experience with satellite communications systems.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based architectures and embedded systems.
• Experience with EMC/EMI compliance testing and certification.
• Experience using simulation tools such as HyperLynx, ADS, HFSS, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of product lifecycle management and systems engineering methodologies.

Soft Skills:
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to make technical decisions in complex and fast-paced environments.
• Strategic thinking combined with a hands-on engineering approach.

Technology Stack:
• Altium Designer.
• Cadence Design Systems.
• HyperLynx.
• ADS (Advanced Design System).
• HFSS.
• Oscilloscopes.
• Spectrum Analyzers.
• Vector Network Analyzers (VNA).
• Signal Integrity and Power Integrity Analysis Tools.
• PCB Design and Simulation Software.
• Microsoft Office Suite.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to work safely in laboratory environments using advanced electronic test equipment.
• Ability to support hardware integration, testing, and validation activities.
• May require occasional travel to customer sites, manufacturing facilities, and test locations.
• Ability to handle electronic hardware and laboratory equipment as required.

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.