Lead Systems Engineer

<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p></div><p><strong>Position Overview</strong></p> <p>We are<strong> </strong>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.</p> <p>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.<strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Serve as Systems Engineer Lead on assigned programs, owning technical direction from requirements definition through verification and validation</li> <li>Develop, maintain, and track technical budgets (mass, power, link, schedule) across multiple subsystems</li> <li>Lead the development of new mission concepts and system architectures in response to customer or internal needs</li> <li>Translate high-level requirements into actionable subsystem and interface specifications</li> <li>Coordinate across engineering disciplines (RF, software, mechanical, electrical) to drive system-level integration and resolve cross-cutting issues</li> <li>Support proposal and business development efforts, including technical writing, basis-of-estimate development, and cost/schedule inputs</li> <li>Facilitate and participate in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and technical interchange meetings (TIMs)</li> <li>Identify and mitigate programmatic and technical risks; maintain risk registers and present findings to program leadership</li> <li>Mentor junior systems engineers and contribute to team process improvement initiatives<strong> </strong></li> </ul> <p><strong>Qualifications</strong><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Education:</strong></p> <p>Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field required; Master's degree preferred</p> <p><strong>Experience:</strong></p> <p>A minimum of 7 years of systems engineering experience, with at least 2 years serving as an SE Lead on a program of record<strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Preferred Qualifications: </strong></p> <ul> <li>Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline</li> <li>Experience in space, satellite, or defense programs</li> <li>Experience with requirements management tools and configuration control processes<strong> </strong></li> </ul> <p><strong>Soft Skills:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to lead and influence across cross-functional teams</li> <li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to brief technical and executive audiences</li> <li>Comfort operating in ambiguity — able to define the path forward when requirements are incomplete or roles are fluid</li> <li>Strong ana