Senior Principal 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 Principal Systems Engineer to join our growing team in Lanham, MD. This is a senior technical leadership role with system-level authority across multiple programs: owning system architecture, setting technical direction, resolving the most complex cross-cutting issues, and developing the next generation of systems engineering leads.

The ideal candidate brings a record of leading systems engineering on complex space or comparable programs from concept through launch and operations, is trusted by executives, customers, and engineers alike, and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where no two days look the same.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical authority for systems engineering across multiple programs, owning system architecture and technical direction from concept through verification, validation, launch, and on-orbit operations.
• Define and own system architectures and mission concepts, leading trade studies and making and defending key technical decisions in response to customer and internal needs.
• Establish top-level system requirements and govern their allocation, flow-down, and interface control across subsystems, suppliers, and organizations.
• Own technical budgets and margin philosophy (mass, power, link, thermal, schedule) at the program and constellation level, and ensure rigorous tracking across subsystems.
• Drive system-level integration across engineering disciplines (RF, software, mechanical, electrical, GNC, operations) and lead resolution of the most complex cross-cutting technical issues and anomalies.
• Provide technical leadership for proposal and business development efforts, including solution architecture, basis-of-estimate development, and cost/schedule inputs, and represent AST in technical engagements with customers and government partners.
• Serve as senior technical lead for major design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and technical interchange meetings (TIMs), presenting to executive leadership, customers, and independent review boards.
• Lead technical risk management: identify and quantify top program and technical risks, drive mitigation, and advise leadership on risk-informed decisions.
• Define and evolve systems engineering processes, standards, practices, and drive their adoption across the organization.
• Mentor and develop SE leads and engineers, serve as a technical coach across the department, and contribute to hiring and talent growth.
  

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field required; Master's degree or PhD strongly preferred

Experience:

A minimum of 12 years of systems engineering experience, with at least 5 years serving as SE Lead, Chief Engineer, or equivalent on a program of record or flight program, including end-to-end lifecycle experience on at least one program through launch and on-orbit operations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience in space, satellite, or defense programs, ideally satellite communications, phased array, or RF payload systems.
• Experience establishing or leading SE practices and configuration control processes at the program or organizational level.

Soft Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and influence without direct authority across cross-functional teams and at the executive level.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to brief and build trust with executive, customer, and government audiences.
• Comfort operating in ambiguity: able to define the path forward and make sound decisions when requirements are incomplete or roles are fluid.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with the judgment to balance technical rigor against schedule and cost.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities across programs in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.
• Demonstrated mentor who builds technical talent and raises the bar for the team.
• Self-starter who takes ownership and drives issues to closure without close supervision.

Technology Stack:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, analysis, and reporting.
• Requirements management tools: DOORS, Jama, or equivalent, with experience defining requirements management practices.
• MATLAB / Simulink for analysis and trade studies (preferred).
• Confluence and Jira for program tracking and collaboration.
• STK (Systems Tool Kit) for mission analysis (preferred).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel to other AST SpaceMobile facilities or customer/government sites (up to 20%).

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.