Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer

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 Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer to lead device readiness and validation activities for direct-to-device wireless communication services. This role is responsible for ensuring commercial mobile devices operate successfully across the network by working closely with chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, and mobile network operators to validate performance, troubleshoot issues, and drive device certification efforts.

The ideal candidate combines deep mobile device and modem expertise with strong customer-facing capabilities, serving as a trusted technical advisor during device validation, field testing, onboarding, and commercial launch activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Own device validation strategy for operator onboarding programs, including device selection, test planning, certification requirements, and compatibility tracking
• Lead laboratory and field validation efforts for commercial mobile devices, including connectivity, mobility, throughput, latency, application performance, and user experience testing
• Collaborate with chipset vendors and device manufacturers to resolve device, modem, firmware, and interoperability issues
• Serve as the primary technical lead during customer workshops, testing events, device validation activities, and technical reviews
• Define device readiness criteria, acceptance standards, test methodologies, and launch requirements
• Analyze modem logs, protocol traces, RF measurements, and performance data to identify root causes and resolve technical issues
• Manage the device defect lifecycle from identification through validation and resolution
• Maintain device compatibility matrices and certification documentation
• Develop and present technical reports, readiness assessments, executive summaries, and performance recommendations
• Partner with internal engineering teams to improve device performance, validation processes, and customer onboarding activities
• Support field trials, proof-of-concept programs, beta deployments, and commercial launch readiness activities
• Mentor technical teams on device behavior, performance characteristics, and troubleshooting methodologies

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
• Master's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 12 years of experience in mobile device validation, chipset validation, device certification, wireless testing, or device-focused field engineering
• Minimum 5 years of experience serving in a senior technical lead, principal engineer, or equivalent leadership capacity
• Hands-on experience validating mobile devices, modem technologies, or wireless communication platforms
• Strong understanding of LTE technologies, signaling procedures, device connectivity, mobility management, and wireless performance analysis
• Working knowledge of 5G technologies and next-generation wireless architectures
• Proven experience working directly with chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, or wireless operators to resolve technical issues
• Experience presenting technical findings and recommendations to customers, operators, and executive stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with non-terrestrial networks, satellite communications, or direct-to-device wireless technologies
• Experience supporting commercial device certification and carrier acceptance programs
• Familiarity with IMS, VoLTE, VoNR, SIM, and eSIM technologies
• Experience with test automation and scripting using Python or similar languages
• Experience supporting international operator deployments and device certification initiatives
• Additional language skills supporting global customer engagements

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong customer-facing presentation and relationship management skills
• Ability to communicate complex technical topics to both engineering and executive audiences
• Proven ability to influence external partners and stakeholders without direct authority
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, highly collaborative environments
• Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple customers, projects, and technical teams

Technology Stack:

• Device logging and protocol analysis tools
• Modem diagnostics and troubleshooting platforms
• Wireshark
• Drive testing and network measurement tools
• RF test equipment and over-the-air (OTA) validation systems
• Spectrum analyzers
• Channel emulators
• RF shield box systems
• LTE and 5G testing platforms
• Open5GS or comparable core network environments
• Network performance and traffic analysis tools
• Python
• Jira
• Confluence
• Data analysis and reporting tools
• Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office, laboratory, and testing environment while using computers and test equipment for extended periods
• Ability to review technical documentation, test results, protocol logs, and engineering reports
• Ability to participate in customer-facing meetings, workshops, testing events, and technical reviews
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while performing analysis, validation, and troubleshooting activities
• Domestic and international travel of approximately 25-35% as required to support customer engagements, operator testing, and validation activities

Benefits & Perks

At AST, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Company-Paid Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Company-Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays
• Career Growth and Development Opportunities

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.