Job 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.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Technical Project Manager – Telco Stack to lead core network innovation and ensure seamless integration with global operator infrastructures. In this role, you will own the full lifecycle of our core network technologies—from architectural strategy and design through deployment—while overseeing complex interconnects and ensuring our telco stack delivers scalable, reliable performance across diverse partner environments.
This position is a key technical product management role that demands deep expertise in core network systems, strong vendor management skills, and the ability to translate complex technical requirements into operationally scalable solutions suitable for carrier‑grade environments.
Operating at the heart of our satellite–cellular network, this role directly influences service quality, system scalability, and the success of strategic partnerships. Achieving impact requires balancing innovation with operational stability while managing a multifaceted vendor ecosystem and meeting rigorous carrier‑grade performance expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management & Execution
Define and manage project scope, objectives, timelines, and budgets to ensure successful delivery against agreed outcomes
Coordinate cross‑functional teams and resources, driving accountability and resolving dependencies
Communicate project status, risks, and decisions clearly to stakeholders and senior leadership
Identify, manage, and mitigate risks and issues, escalating proactively with recommended actions
Core Network Technology Ownership & Strategy
Own comprehensive telco stack technology strategy including EPC, 5GC, and interconnection architecture
Define core network roadmap aligned with business objectives, partner requirements, and technology evolution
Make critical architecture decisions on interconnection methods, protocol selection, and scalability approaches
Ensure telco stack capabilities support current partnership requirements while enabling future growth
Interconnection Strategy & Implementation Management
Manage complex interconnections and roaming capabilities with technical and commercial optimization
Coordinate billing platform integration, operator interconnection requirements, and revenue assurance systems
Balance technical, economic, tactical, and strategic considerations for telco interconnection decisions
Ensure seamless integration between core network elements and diverse partner operator systems
Feature Development & Testing Excellence
Own end-to-end telco stack feature lifecycle from requirements through testing, certification, and production rollout
Develop comprehensive testing protocols ensuring feature quality, interoperability, and network compatibility
Coordinate integration testing with satellite, gateway, RAN, and UE components for complete system validation
Establish certification processes balancing thorough validation with rapid time-to-market requirements
Service Enablement & Delivery Support
Provide telco stack domain expertise enabling service delivery teams to deploy solutions effectively
Create standardized processes and documentation for telco stack deployment and configuration across partners
Support service delivery during complex network integration and troubleshoot deployment challenges
Ensure telco stack readiness supports partner SLA requirements and performance expectations
R&D Integration & Innovation Leadership
Collaborate with R&D teams on telco stack innovation, performance optimization, and next-generation capabilities
Bridge internal telco stack development with industry standards, partner requirements, and competitive positioning
Drive technology evolution that enhances service differentiation and supports unique satellite-cellular features
Coordinate with functional teams (RAN, UE) and 3GPP standards team for end-to-end feature consistency
Performance Optimization & Analytics
Monitor telco stack performance, capacity planning, and optimization across all partner deployments
Analyze network performance data identifying bottlenecks, scaling requirements, and improvement opportunities
Provide technical guidance for telco stack troubleshooting and performance enhancement initiatives
Develop metrics and KPIs ensuring telco stack performance meets carrier-grade requirements
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Network Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
Master’s degree in Network Architecture, Systems Engineering, or advanced telecommunications discipline preferred
Experience
Minimum 8+ years in core network engineering, telecommunications architecture, or network product management
3+ years working with EPC/5GC implementations, interconnection protocols, and carrier-grade network deployment
Proven track record managing complex network integration projects in service provider environments
Required Technical Expertise
Deep understanding of core network architecture including EPC, 5GC, IMS, and signalling protocols
Strong knowledge of interconnection standards, roaming protocols, and billing system integration
Experience with telco stack testing, network integration methodologies, and performance optimization
- Understanding of satellite communication systems and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) integration challenges
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with satellite communication networks, LEO/GEO constellation integration, and space-terrestrial networking
Background in core network roles at Tier 1 MNOs, major system integrators, or telecommunications equipment vendors
Knowledge of network slicing, edge computing, 5G advanced features, and next-generation core network technologies
Experience with cloud-native network functions, containerization, and software-defined networking
Understanding of regulatory requirements, spectrum management, and international interconnection standards
Project Management & Technical Leadership Skills
Strong project tracking and reporting for executive leadership and stakeholders
Strong execution and delivery of an overall project execution skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for managing complex technical trade-offs and architecture decisions
Excellent stakeholder management capabilities for coordinating diverse vendor, partner, and internal relationships
Proven ability to translate technical network requirements into business value and competitive advantage
Technology Stack
Experience with product management platforms (Jira, Confluence) and technical documentation systems
Familiarity with network simulation tools, testing frameworks, and automated validation systems
Physical Requirements
Standard office environment with regular travel for vendor meetings, partner technical discussions, and industry conferences (20-25%)
Ability to work in network operations centers, data centers, and technical testing facilities
Coordination across global time zones for international vendor relationships and partner network integration
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.
