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.
Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled RF Network Planning Engineer with deep expertise in both 4G and 5G network design and optimization. This engineer will be a central figure in ensuring AST’s satellite-to-cellular network meets Tier-1 standards by managing RF planning, coverage design, and cross-domain integration.
Duties and Responsibilities
This role is not theoretical. The engineer will directly support:
- Translating the current MNOs’ cell allocation into a centralized table with ownership, bandwidth, coordinates, and naming conventions.
- Creating the AST SpaceMobile Network Planning Database as the single source of truth—mapping all cells, eNodeBs, frequency bands, and their relationship across all network layers, from Cell → RAN → Core → PLMN ID.
- Validating the status of each cell to assess deployment readiness.
- Aligning with MNOs on support and approval for lighting up those cells.
- Mapping and intelligently affiliating each cell with the appropriate Gateway and eNB based on technical feasibility and load planning.
- Ensuring gateway infrastructure is equipped to handle planned eNB/BBU/BPMS configurations.
- Addressing GW evolution and gaps in coverage with scalable plans to meet persistency KPIs.
- Preparing NCC/NOC/SOC integration in coordination with MNO operational workflows. Key Responsibilities:
- Lead RF planning for 4G LTE and 5G NR (NSA/SA) networks across diverse environments
- Develop PCI/RSI/frequency plans and satellite-aware beam design
- Design clutter-aware propagation models, link budgets, and power analysis
- Align cell definitions, naming, and metadata with Tier-1 operator expectations
- Map cell allocations to gateways and eNBs based on performance and load planning
- Drive gateway readiness planning (BBU, BPMS, antenna density)
- Support NCC/NOC/SOC readiness tied to MNO integration
- Feed validated plans into the core network, operational systems
Required Experience & Skills
- 7–15 years in 4G/5G network planning and optimization
- Proficient with Atoll, Planet, Asset, TEMS, Actix, QXDM, MapInfo
- Strong in Layer 1–2 RF design, mobility strategies, and inter-site optimization
- Deep familiarity with MNO standards, RF compliance, and naming conventions
- Hands-on expertise in Massive MIMO, Phased Arrays, and Beamforming
- Experience managing multi-site configurations, sector mapping, and propagation tuning
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with satellite-to-cellular or NTN RF modeling
- Exposure to Open RAN, cloud-native architecture, or advanced 5G orchestration
- Understanding of eNB/gNB configurations, backhaul planning, and spectrum use
Soft Skills
- Highly accountable and execution-focused
- Capable of driving clarity across ambiguity in fast-moving environments
- Collaborative, cross-functional communication and technical reporting
Tools & Platforms
- Atoll, Planet, Asset, MapInfo
- TEMS Investigation, Actix Analyzer, QXDM
- Excel (advanced), Power BI, Python (preferred)
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.
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