Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer to lead device readiness and validation activities for direct-to-device wireless communication services. This role is responsible for ensuring commercial mobile devices operate successfully across the network by working closely with chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, and mobile network operators to validate performance, troubleshoot issues, and drive device certification efforts.

The ideal candidate combines deep mobile device and modem expertise with strong customer-facing capabilities, serving as a trusted technical advisor during device validation, field testing, onboarding, and commercial launch activities.

Key Responsibilities

Own device validation strategy for operator onboarding programs, including device selection, test planning, certification requirements, and compatibility tracking

Lead laboratory and field validation efforts for commercial mobile devices, including connectivity, mobility, throughput, latency, application performance, and user experience testing

Collaborate with chipset vendors and device manufacturers to resolve device, modem, firmware, and interoperability issues

Serve as the primary technical lead during customer workshops, testing events, device validation activities, and technical reviews

Define device readiness criteria, acceptance standards, test methodologies, and launch requirements

Analyze modem logs, protocol traces, RF measurements, and performance data to identify root causes and resolve technical issues

Manage the device defect lifecycle from identification through validation and resolution

Maintain device compatibility matrices and certification documentation

Develop and present technical reports, readiness assessments, executive summaries, and performance recommendations

Partner with internal engineering teams to improve device performance, validation processes, and customer onboarding activities

Support field trials, proof-of-concept programs, beta deployments, and commercial launch readiness activities

Mentor technical teams on device behavior, performance characteristics, and troubleshooting methodologies

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field

Master's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline preferred.

Experience:

Minimum 12 years of experience in mobile device validation, chipset validation, device certification, wireless testing, or device-focused field engineering

Minimum 5 years of experience serving in a senior technical lead, principal engineer, or equivalent leadership capacity

Hands-on experience validating mobile devices, modem technologies, or wireless communication platforms

Strong understanding of LTE technologies, signaling procedures, device connectivity, mobility management, and wireless performance analysis

Working knowledge of 5G technologies and next-generation wireless architectures

Proven experience working directly with chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, or wireless operators to resolve technical issues

Experience presenting technical findings and recommendations to customers, operators, and executive stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with non-terrestrial networks, satellite communications, or direct-to-device wireless technologies

Experience supporting commercial device certification and carrier acceptance programs

Familiarity with IMS, VoLTE, VoNR, SIM, and eSIM technologies

Experience with test automation and scripting using Python or similar languages

Experience supporting international operator deployments and device certification initiatives

Additional language skills supporting global customer engagements

Soft Skills:

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong customer-facing presentation and relationship management skills

Ability to communicate complex technical topics to both engineering and executive audiences

Proven ability to influence external partners and stakeholders without direct authority

Strong organizational and project management capabilities

Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy

Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, highly collaborative environments

Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple customers, projects, and technical teams

Technology Stack:

Device logging and protocol analysis tools

Modem diagnostics and troubleshooting platforms

Wireshark

Drive testing and network measurement tools

RF test equipment and over-the-air (OTA) validation systems

Spectrum analyzers

Channel emulators

RF shield box systems

LTE and 5G testing platforms

Open5GS or comparable core network environments

Network performance and traffic analysis tools

Python

Jira

Confluence

Data analysis and reporting tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in a standard office, laboratory, and testing environment while using computers and test equipment for extended periods

Ability to review technical documentation, test results, protocol logs, and engineering reports

Ability to participate in customer-facing meetings, workshops, testing events, and technical reviews

Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while performing analysis, validation, and troubleshooting activities

Domestic and international travel of approximately 25–35% as required to support customer engagements, operator testing, and validation activities

Benefits & Perks

At AST, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

Company-Paid Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance

Company-Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Voluntary Supplemental Benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays

Career Growth and Development Opportunities

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.