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 wi