Job description
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.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a visionary and technically adept Solutions Architect with deep expertise in 3GPP wireless core networks (4G LTE and 5G NR). In this critical role, you will be responsible for designing, architecting, and evolving our wireless core solutions, ensuring alignment with industry standards, business requirements, and future technological advancements. You will work closely with various cross-functional teams to translate strategic objectives into robust, scalable, and high-performance network designs.
Key Responsibilities:
Architectural Design & Strategy:
Lead the architectural design and evolution of our 3GPP-compliant wireless core network, including 4G LTE EPC and 5G SA Core.
Develop high-level and low-level design specifications, architectural blueprints, and technical roadmaps for core network components and interfaces.
Evaluate and recommend new technologies, vendors, and solutions to enhance core network capabilities, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
Ensure designs comply with 3GPP specifications, industry best practices, and relevant regulatory requirements.
Drive the adoption of cloud-native principles, virtualization (NFV), and containerization (Kubernetes) in core network deployments.
Design for scalability, reliability, security, and operational efficiency.
Solution Engineering & Integration:
Collaborate with engineering teams to guide the implementation, integration, and testing of core network elements and services.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to core network engineers.
Develop proof-of-concepts (PoCs) and prototypes to validate architectural choices and new technologies.
Troubleshoot complex technical issues and provide expert guidance for resolution.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:
Partner with Product Management to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
Work closely with Operations teams to ensure designs are operable, maintainable, and support efficient network management.
Engage with external vendors, industry forums, and standardization bodies to stay informed about industry trends and help shape future standards.
Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Documentation & Standards:
Create and maintain comprehensive architectural documentation, including design documents, interface specifications, and technical diagrams.
Contribute to the development of internal standards and best practices for core network design and deployment.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.
Experience:
10+ years of progressive experience in telecommunications, with at least 5 years in a Solutions Architect or Lead Network Engineer role focused on 3GPP wireless core networks.
Proven track record of designing, deploying, and optimizing large-scale 4G LTE EPC and/or 5G SA Core networks.
Extensive hands-on experience with core network elements from major vendors.
Experience with virtualized and cloud-native network functions (VNF/CNF) and orchestration platforms (e.g., OpenStack, VMware, Kubernetes, OpenShift).
Experience with private cellular networks, CBRS, and IoT connectivity solutions is a plus.
Technical Skills:
Deep understanding of 3GPP standards for 4G (Release 8-15) and 5G (Release 15-18, particularly including Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) features and Direct-to-Device/Cell (D2D/D2C) capabilities from Release 17 onwards), especially related to the core network.
Strong expertise in core network protocols and interfaces (e.g., S1-AP, NAS, GTP-C/U, Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, PFCP).
Proficiency in wireless roaming architectures and protocols (e.g., S8, N9, Diameter, GRX/IPX, SEPP for 5G Inter-PLMN).
Proficiency in network security principles and best practices for wireless core networks.
Familiarity with network automation tools and scripting (e.g., Ansible, Python, Terraform).
Knowledge of IP networking, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), and QoS mechanisms.
Understanding of public cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their relevance to telecom core networks.
Familiarity with ORAN concepts and their impact on the core network is a plus.
Knowledge of 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) architecture, protocols, and deployment considerations, including Direct-to-Device/Cell (D2D/D2C) connectivity via satellite (e.g., transparent vs. regenerative payloads, challenges with latency/Doppler, IoT-NTN, NR-NTN for D2D).
Soft Skills:
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
Proven ability to lead technical discussions and drive consensus.
Proactive, self-motivated, and results oriented.
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.
