Lead Systems Engineer

Lead Systems Engineer

Lanham, Maryland, United States

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 Mid-Level Systems Engineer to join our growing team in Lanham, MD. This role is designed for a versatile, senior-enough engineer who can both lead and execute: stepping into project lead roles, driving technical budget development, shaping new concepts, and filling critical gaps across programs as business needs evolve.

The ideal candidate brings demonstrated SE lead experience from prior programs and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where no two days look the same.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Systems Engineer Lead on assigned programs, owning technical direction from requirements definition through verification and validation
• Develop, maintain, and track technical budgets (mass, power, link, schedule) across multiple subsystems
• Lead the development of new mission concepts and system architectures in response to customer or internal needs
• Translate high-level requirements into actionable subsystem and interface specifications
• Coordinate across engineering disciplines (RF, software, mechanical, electrical) to drive system-level integration and resolve cross-cutting issues
• Support proposal and business development efforts, including technical writing, basis-of-estimate development, and cost/schedule inputs
• Facilitate and participate in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and technical interchange meetings (TIMs)
• Identify and mitigate programmatic and technical risks; maintain risk registers and present findings to program leadership
• Mentor junior systems engineers and contribute to team process improvement initiatives

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field required; Master's degree preferred

Experience:

A minimum of 7 years of systems engineering experience, with at least 2 years serving as an SE Lead on a program of record

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline
• Experience in space, satellite, or defense programs
• Experience with requirements management tools and configuration control processes

Soft Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to lead and influence across cross-functional teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to brief technical and executive audiences
• Comfort operating in ambiguity — able to define the path forward when requirements are incomplete or roles are fluid
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability with meticulous attention to detail across documentation and deliverables
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-moving environment
• Self-starter who takes ownership and drives issues to closure without close supervision

Technology Stack:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, analysis, and reporting
• Requirements management tools: DOORS, Jama, or equivalent
• MBSE tools: Cameo Systems Modeler or equivalent (preferred)
• MATLAB / Simulink for analysis and trade studies (preferred)
• Confluence and Jira for program tracking and collaboration
• STK (Systems Tool Kit) for mission analysis (preferred)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods
• Occasional travel to other AST SpaceMobile facilities or customer/government sites (up to 20%)

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.