Software Systems Engineer

Software 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 Software Systems Engineer to join our Software Development Team. This role focuses on the design, development, verification, and sustainment of system software across flight, ground, and testing domains, while also supporting the coordination of daily software activities and aligning priorities across Ground Software, Flight Software, and Systems Testing teams.

The ideal candidate brings a solid foundation in systems engineering and software practices, along with strong collaboration skills to contribute to successful program execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Define system architectures and interfaces across software components.
• Review and refine requirements to ensure they are complete and testable.
• Monitor system performance budgets (e.g., timing, memory, power) throughout development.
• Plan and execute verification activities to validate system performance.
• Support integration, testing, and debugging of hardware and software.
• Contribute to development milestones and gate reviews.
• Apply configuration management and maintain system documentation.
• Develop interface and data flow documentation.
• Coordinate daily software team activities and priorities.
• Track, triage, and escalate software issues as needed.
• Facilitate team meetings and drive action items to closure.
• Maintain accurate documentation across shared engineering tools.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in software engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in software systems engineering, development, or verification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with complex or distributed systems, such as aerospace, telecommunications, or embedded platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain technical documentation using collaboration tools (e.g., Confluence, SharePoint, or similar platforms).
• Experience working within Agile development environments and familiarity with CI/CD practices.
• Exposure to communications systems, networking technologies, or other high-reliability system domains is a plus.
• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) concepts and industry standards is beneficial.

Soft Skills

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to escalate issues appropriately.
• Collaborative, proactive mindset with a willingness to learn and adapt to new technical domains.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and contribute to a positive team environment.

Technology Stack

• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., C/C++ for embedded systems, Python for automation and testing).
• Experience with issue tracking and version control tools (e.g., Jira, Git).
• Understanding of configuration management principles and software development lifecycle processes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office or engineering lab environment.
• Ability to use a computer and related equipment for extended periods.
• Participate in virtual or in‑person meetings as required

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.