Lead Systems Engineer, Defense Programs

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer, Defense Programs to join the team at its Lanham, Prince George's County, Maryland facility — a full-time, on-site position at the forefront of space-based cellular technology built for both commercial and national security missions.

About the Role

In this senior individual-contributor and team-lead capacity, you will own systems engineering across AST SpaceMobile's defense-focused programs, driving architecture decisions from concept through deployment for a direct-to-device broadband network operating in low Earth orbit. You will serve as the primary technical interface between internal engineering disciplines and government customers, ensuring every program milestone meets contractual and mission requirements.

What You'll Do

• Lead end-to-end systems engineering for Department of Defense and government programs, including requirements definition, functional decomposition, interface control, and verification planning
• Develop and maintain systems engineering artifacts — concepts of operations, system specifications, interface control documents, and systems engineering management plans
• Chair and support formal technical reviews including System Requirements Review, Preliminary Design Review, and Critical Design Review
• Conduct trade studies and risk analyses to inform architecture decisions across space, ground, and user segments
• Collaborate closely with RF, satellite bus, software, and network engineering teams to ensure coherent system-level integration
• Support business development and proposal activities for defense contracts, translating government requirements into sound technical approaches
• Serve as a technical point of contact for DoD customers, program offices, and defense prime contractors

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Significant experience leading systems engineering efforts on DoD or government space, communications, or satellite programs
• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering tools (e.g., Cameo Systems Modeler, IBM DOORS) and standard defense systems engineering processes
• Working knowledge of satellite communications, RF systems, or cellular network architecture
• Active US security clearance, or demonstrated eligibility to obtain one
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and communicate complex system concepts to both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders
• Experience with government acquisition processes, including familiarity with MIL-STD standards and defense contracting environments

About AST SpaceMobile

AST SpaceMobile is building the world's first space-based cellular broadband network engineered to connect directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices — no special hardware required. Backed by a deep portfolio of patents and intellectual property, the company's mission is to close the global connectivity gap for billions of mobile subscribers while simultaneously delivering sovereign, resilient communications capabilities for government and defense applications. The Lanham, Maryland office anchors AST SpaceMobile's government programs work within the greater Washington, D.C. defense corridor.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through this listing to be considered for the Lead Systems Engineer, Defense Programs role at AST SpaceMobile in Lanham, Prince George's County.