{"id":1302985,"url":"https://alion.io/job/ast-science-principal-system-engineer-payload","title":"Principal System Engineer - Payload","company":{"id":2057930,"name":"AST SpaceMobile","domain":"ast-science.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/ast-science","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":null},"role":"DevOps","role_family":"DevOps","seniority":"lead","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Lanham, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":120000,"max_usd":244000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":271},"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"MATLAB","optional":true},{"name":"Microsoft Office","optional":true},{"name":"Simulink","optional":true},{"name":"Wi-Fi","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-07-20T20:59:52Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-07-20","last_verified_at":"2026-09-27T04:52:36Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":68,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":["company_stale"],"days_open":68},"description":"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.\nPosition Overview\nWe are seeking an experienced and highly innovative Principal Systems Engineer - Payload to lead the design and development of advanced end-to-end wireless systems within a complex telecommunications environment. This role is responsible for defining system architecture across both space and ground segments, ensuring performance, scalability, and reliability throughout the full product lifecycle.\nKey Responsibilities:\nLead the design and development of end-to-end wireless system architectures across multiple domains\nDefine and manage complex system requirements in collaboration with cross-functional engineering and R&D teams\nConduct technical trade studies and drive key architectural decisions across multidisciplinary programs\nOwn system requirements throughout the full lifecycle, including design, verification, validation, and qualification\nDevelop and optimize system architectures incorporating advanced signal processing and performance-enhancing techniques\nDefine system control processes, operational workflows, and telemetry strategies to ensure reliability and performance\nCollaborate with engineering teams to translate research concepts into scalable, production-ready solutions\nSupport system integration, testing, and validation efforts, including development of test cases and performance analysis\nContribute to new product introduction and manufacturing readiness by supporting system-level optimization efforts\nDrive continuous improvement and scalability of system capabilities across evolving product generations\nQualifications\nEducation:\nBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline\nExperience:\nA minimum of 5+ yearsof experience in wireless systems engineering, including design, integration, and testing\nExperience defining system-level requirements across hardware, software, and firmware components\nHands-on experience with system architecture design and validation in complex engineering environments\nProven experience leading technical initiatives or engineering teams\nStrong understanding of system integration, testing, and lifecycle management\nPreferred Qualifications:\nAdvanced knowledge of wireless communication systems and technologies (e.g., MIMO, beamforming, channel estimation)\nExperience with digital signal processing techniques and performance optimization methods\nFamiliarity with modern wireless standards (e.g., 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, or similar technologies)\nExperience developing or supporting complex communications systems in highly technical industries\nStrong background in system modeling, simulation, or performance analysis\nDemonstrated ability to innovate and contribute to emerging technologies\nSoft Skills:\nStrong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams\nExcellent written and verbal communication skills\nProven ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary environments\nStrong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities\nAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment\nMeticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy of system designs and deliverables\nInnovative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and technical excellence\nTechnology Stack:\nSystem modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent)\nWireless communication and signal processing tools\nTest and validation platforms (lab instrumentation, automated test systems)\nSoftware development tools for system-level integration (various languages and environments)\nData analysis and visualization tools\nStandard office productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite)\nPhysical Requirements\nAbility to work in a standard office and laboratory environment\nAbility to sit and use a computer for extended periods\nAbility to support hands-on lab testing, integration, and validation activities as needed\nOccasional travel may be required based on project or business needs\nThis 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. \nAST 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.","description_format":"text","description_chars":5045,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":5,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":[],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Telecommunications"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-26T12:21:47Z"}],"liveness":{"score":17,"band":"cold","label":"Long shot","p_open":1,"p_active":0.623,"p_room":0.28,"age_days":68,"expected_fill_days":33,"reasons":["conf:0","win:tail","crowd:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-09-27T05:12:00Z"},"pay":null,"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/ast-science-principal-system-engineer-payload","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/ast-science-principal-system-engineer-payload.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-09-27T05:12:00Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","usage":{"tier":"crawler","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":4570,"day_limit":5000,"remaining_today":430,"minute_limit":60,"resets_at":"2026-09-28T00:00:00Z"}}}