Senior Principal Systems 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
We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join our growing team in Lanham, MD. This is a senior technical leadership role with system-level authority across multiple programs: owning system architecture, setting technical direction, resolving the most complex cross-cutting issues, and developing the next generation of systems engineering leads.
The ideal candidate brings a record of leading systems engineering on complex space or comparable programs from concept through launch and operations, is trusted by executives, customers, and engineers alike, and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where no two days look the same.
Key Responsibilities:
Serve as the technical authority for systems engineering across multiple programs, owning system architecture and technical direction from concept through verification, validation, launch, and on-orbit operations.
Define and own system architectures and mission concepts, leading trade studies and making and defending key technical decisions in response to customer and internal needs.
Establish top-level system requirements and govern their allocation, flow-down, and interface control across subsystems, suppliers, and organizations.
Own technical budgets and margin philosophy (mass, power, link, thermal, schedule) at the program and constellation level, and ensure rigorous tracking across subsystems.
Drive system-level integration across engineering disciplines (RF, software, mechanical, electrical, GNC, operations) and lead resolution of the most complex cross-cutting technical issues and anomalies.
Provide technical leadership for proposal and business development efforts, including solution architecture, basis-of-estimate development, and cost/schedule inputs, and represent AST in technical engagements with customers and government partners.
Serve as senior technical lead for major design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and technical interchange meetings (TIMs), presenting to executive leadership, customers, and independent review boards.
Lead technical risk management: identify and quantify top program and technical risks, drive mitigation, and advise leadership on risk-informed decisions.
Define and evolve systems engineering processes, standards, practices, and drive their adoption across the organization.
Mentor and develop SE leads and engineers, serve as a technical coach across the department, and contribute to hiring and talent growth.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field required; Master's degree or PhD strongly preferred
Experience:
A minimum of 12 years of systems engineering experience, with at least 5 years serving as SE Lead, Chief Engineer, or equivalent on a program of record or flight program, including end-to-end lifecycle experience on at least one program through launch and on-orbit operations
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline.