RAN Deployment Engineer

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    The RAN Deployment Engineer is responsible for executing all deployment, installation, and integration activities required to enable stable satellite‑to‑mobile connectivity across India and within global delivery programs. This role supports gateway and cell‑site builds, performs beam surveys, validates field installations, uploads configurations, and conducts probe‑based integration checks to ensure RAN readiness for satellite network activation.  The position works closely with regional engineering teams, the NOC, vendors, and global deployment groups to resolve technical blockers, uphold high integration quality, and support seamless service enablement.  Operating at the intersection of field engineering and advanced satellite‑RAN deployment, this role demands precision during installation, disciplined validation practices, and continuous coordination with cross‑functional teams. The RAN Deployment Engineer must balance technical accuracy, operational urgency, and regulatory variations across India to ensure smooth and consistent readiness for global satellite network activation.   Key Responsibilities  Field Deployment & Installation Activities  Deliver RAN deployment activities including cell‑site builds, managing end-to-end field installation processes for satellite-RAN infrastructure  Execute installation checks and commissioning procedures to validate proper equipment mounting, cabling, power connections, and environmental controls  Validate CIQ inputs/outputs and CIQ-to-SCF generation to avoid deployment rework  Validate Cell site router to Core integration, transport readiness  Perform configuration uploads and software provisioning to ensure RAN equipment is properly configured according to deployment specifications  Perform and validate BPMS to eNB port mapping, transport, clocking, and interface readiness  Support Beam Go / No-Go readiness reviews and provide technical sign-off inputs  Own technical handover from Delivery to Service Acceptance, ensuring all acceptance criteria and artifacts are met  Enable stable satellite‑mobile connectivity through systematic installation, integration, and validation of RAN components and interfaces  Technical Validation & Testing  Perform probe validations and acceptance testing to verify RAN functionality, connectivity, and performance against established criteria  Conduct integration testing between satellite-RAN equipment and terrestrial network components to ensure seamless connectivity  Execute acceptance tasks including functional testing, performance validation, and documentation completion for site commissioning  Execute Acceptance checks with vendors for handover to Service Acceptance  Coordination & Collaboration  Coordinate with regional engineering, NOC, vendors, and global deployment teams to align deployment activities with project schedules and technical requirements  Interface with network operations centres to ensure proper monitoring integration and operational readiness during deployment phases  Work with vendor teams to resolve equipment issues, on site hardware delivery, coordinate software updates, and ensure proper installation procedures  Collaborate with global deployment teams to maintain consistency in deployment standards and share lessons learned across regions  Technical Issue Resolution & Quality Assurance  Resolve technical blockers encountered during deployment including equipment failures, configuration issues, and integration challenges  Troubleshoot complex technical problems affecting RAN performance, connectivity, or functionality during installation and commissioning  Ensure reliable RAN readiness supporting global satellite network activation through comprehensive validation and quality assurance processes  Document and escalate unresolved issues to appropriate technical teams while implementing temporary workarounds to maintain deployment schedules   Qualifications   Education  Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, computer engineering, or related technical field  Associate degree with relevant telecommunications experience accepted   Experience  Minimum 4+ years in telecommunications field deployment, network installation, or wireless infrastructure commissioning  2+ years hands-on experience with RAN deployment, cell site installation, or wireless network infrastructure and CIQ handling  Proven experience with field installation, testing, and commissioning of complex telecommunications equipment   Required Technical Expertise  Strong understanding of RAN technologies, wireless communications principles, and telecommunications infrastructure  Knowledge of installation procedures for telecommunications equipment including Rack, eNodeB antennas, transceivers, GPS & CSR and network infrastructure  Familiarity with configuration management, software provisioning, and equipment commissioning processes   Preferred Qualifications  Experience with satellite communications systems, satellite-RAN integration, or space-terrestrial network deployment  Background in field deployment roles at wireless carriers, equipment vendors, or telecommunications contractors  Knowledge of safety procedures and compliance requirements for telecommunications field work  Experience with network monitoring systems and performance validation tools  Familiarity with project coordination and deployment management practices   Professional Skills  Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills for complex technical issues in field environments  Excellent communication skills for coordination with multiple technical teams and stakeholders  Proven ability to work independently in field environments while maintaining safety and quality standards  Experience with technical documentation, test reporting, and deployment validation procedures   Technology Proficiency  Proficiency with RF testing equipment including spectrum analysers, power meters  Experience with network configuration tools and equipment management systems  Familiarity with field measurement software and data collection tools used in wireless deployment  Knowledge of safety equipment and procedures required for telecommunications field work   Skills & Competencies  Field Installation Expertise: Hands-on experience with telecommunications equipment installation, cabling, and commissioning procedures  RF Testing & Validation: Proficiency with RF measurement equipment and wireless network performance validation techniques  Technical Troubleshooting: Systematic approach to identifying and resolving complex technical issues in field environments  Safety Consciousness: Commitment to safety procedures and compliance with telecommunications industry safety standards  Documentation & Reporting: Clear technical writing and accurate documentation of deployment activities and test results  Team Coordination: Effective collaboration across multiple technical disciplines and organizational boundaries   Cross-Functional Interfaces  This role collaborates regularly with:  Internal: Regional Engineering Teams, Network Operations Center, RF Engineering, Field Operations, Quality Assurance, Program Management, Safety and Compliance  External: Equipment vendors, installation contractors, testing laboratories, site owners, local regulatory authorities   Physical Requirements  Role will be based in United States with extensive travel for field deployment activities across multiple regions (~50%)  Ability to perform physical field work including equipment installation,   Valid driver's license and ability to travel to remote deployment sites as required by project schedules  Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and extended shifts during critical deployment phases  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. Offices: Miami, Florida, United States (AST - Miami);