VP Telco Network Architecture & Cyber Security

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 VP, Network Architecture & Cyber Security to lead the design, evolution, and security of carrier-grade network infrastructure supporting advanced telecommunications services. This executive leadership role is responsible for defining network architecture strategy across core, transport, and IP domains while establishing and maintaining a comprehensive cyber security framework that protects critical network assets, services, and customer data.

The VP will lead the Network Engineering and Cyber Security organizations, driving architecture standards, security strategy, compliance programs, and technology roadmaps. Working closely with engineering, operations, product, service delivery, and executive leadership teams, this individual will ensure all services are designed, deployed, and operated in alignment with performance, security, scalability, and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in telecommunications network architecture, cyber security leadership, risk management, and organizational development, with a proven track record leading large-scale engineering and security organizations in highly complex environments.

Key Responsibilities

Own the end-to-end network architecture strategy across core, transport, IP, and interconnect domains

Establish and maintain architecture standards, design principles, reference architectures, and engineering governance processes

Ensure network designs support scalability, reliability, performance, and interoperability across global deployments

Provide technical leadership and direction for network engineering teams responsible for architecture, planning, and implementation

Define and execute the cyber security strategy, architecture, and multi-year technology roadmap

Lead security architecture reviews for new services, infrastructure deployments, partner integrations, and technology initiatives

Establish security policies, standards, and controls that support secure system development and operational readiness

Drive vulnerability management, security testing, patch management, and risk remediation programs

Ensure security requirements are integrated into validation, testing, deployment, and operational processes

Own compliance efforts related to telecommunications, security, privacy, and industry regulatory requirements

Lead security audits, assessments, and certification activities while maintaining compliance documentation and evidence

Serve as the senior network architecture and cyber security representative for customers, partners, regulators, and industry stakeholders

Maintain enterprise risk management processes related to network architecture, cyber security, and operational resiliency

Support major incident response activities by providing senior-level engineering and security expertise

Establish incident response frameworks, playbooks, escalation models, and operational readiness programs

Partner with operational teams to strengthen security monitoring, threat detection, and response capabilities

Lead and develop Network Engineering and Cyber Security leadership teams

Build organizational structure, workforce plans, governance frameworks, and long-term talent strategies

Establish operating rhythms, performance metrics, and executive reporting mechanisms for architecture and security organizations

Present strategy, risk posture, compliance status, roadmap priorities, and key initiatives to executive leadership

Identify and communicate strategic risks, architectural dependencies, security concerns, and roadmap impacts

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security, Telecommunications, or a related technical discipline

Master's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Cyber Security, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field preferred

Industry certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCIE, CCNP, GIAC, or comparable credentials preferred

Experience:

Minimum 15–20 years of experience in telecommunications network architecture, network engineering, cyber security, or related technical leadership roles

Significant leadership experience managing engineering, architecture, and cyber security organizations

Proven experience overseeing carrier-grade network architecture and cyber security programs

Experience developing and implementing enterprise-level network and security strategies

Experience leading global, geographically distributed engineering and security teams

Experience managing risk, compliance, security governance, and operational readiness programs

Experience working within telecommunications, wireless communications, networking, or critical infrastructure environments

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience supporting satellite communications, non-terrestrial networks, or direct-to-device communication services

Experience working with mobile network operators, telecommunications service providers, systems integrators, or network equipment vendors

Experience with large-scale cloud, virtualization, and software-defined networking environments

Familiarity with modern security architectures including Zero Trust frameworks

Experience supporting regulatory audits, security certifications, and telecommunications compliance initiatives

Experience presenting to executive leadership, boards of directors, regulators, and industry organizations

Experience building and scaling high-performing engineering and security organizations

Soft Skills:

Exceptional executive presence and leadership capabilities

Strong strategic planning and organizational development skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to communicate effectively with technical, operational, and executive audiences

Strong decision-making and risk management abilities

Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills

Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive organizational alignment

Strong problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills

Ability to balance long-term strategy with tactical execution

Proven ability to build, mentor, and retain high-performing teams

Technology Stack:

4G LTE and 5G Core technologies

Telecommunications transport and IP networking platforms

Network architecture and design frameworks

Routing and switching technologies

Security information and event management (SIEM) platforms

Vulnerability management and threat detection solutions

Identity and access management platforms

Zero Trust security technologies

Security monitoring and incident response tools

Cloud infrastructure and virtualization platforms

Software-defined networking technologies

Network performance monitoring and analytics systems

Governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) platforms

Microsoft Office Suite

Enterprise collaboration and documentation platforms

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods

Ability to participate in executive leadership meetings, architecture reviews, security assessments, and strategic planning sessions

Ability to review technical documentation, risk assessments, compliance reports, and architectural designs

Ability to travel as required to support business operations, customer engagements, industry events, and leadership meetings

Ability to coordinate activities across multiple regions, time zones, and global teams

Ability to support i