4G/5G RF Network Planning Engineering Lead (Satellite to Cellular Networks)

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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