Mid-Level Systems Engineer

AST SpaceMobile
Lanham, MD

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for systems engineers with prior lead experience who thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments and have a background in space or satellite programs.

Best fit for

  • Systems engineers with prior lead experience on program-of-record initiatives and a background in space or satellite programs
    — “A minimum of 7 years of systems engineering experience, with at least 2 years serving as an SE Lead on a program of record”
  • Individuals comfortable with ambiguity and able to define paths forward with incomplete requirements
    — “Comfort operating in ambiguity — able to define the path forward when requirements are incomplete or roles are fluid.”

Things to consider

  • Up to 20% travel may be required, which could impact work-life balance or remote flexibility
    — “Occasional travel to other AST SpaceMobile facilities or customer/government sites (up to 20%)”
  • The role may demand leadership in cross-functional teams without clear supervision
    — “Self-starter who takes ownership and drives issues to closure without close supervision.”

How to stand out

  • Highlight prior SE lead experience and specific examples of driving system concepts from requirements
    — “Lead the development of new mission concepts and system architectures in response to customer or internal needs.”
  • Demonstrate expertise in requirements management tools and configuration control processes
    — “Experience with requirements management tools and configuration control processes.”
  • Showcase your ability to translate high-level requirements into actionable subsystem specifications
    — “Translate high-level requirements into actionable subsystem and interface specifications.”
  • Emphasize your experience in managing technical budgets across multiple subsystems
    — “Develop, maintain, and track technical budgets (mass, power, link, schedule) across multiple subsystems.”
  • Demonstrate your ability to coordinate across multiple engineering disciplines
    — “Coordinate across engineering disciplines (RF, software, mechanical, electrical) to drive system-level integration and resolve cross-cutting issues.”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Leading technical direction on programs
  • Developing and tracking technical budgets
  • Shaping new mission concepts
  • Translating high-level requirements into actionable specifications
Typical background
7+ years of systems engineering experienceExperience as a Systems Engineer Lead on a program of record

Skills & requirements

Required

Systems EngineeringTechnical Budget DevelopmentNew Mission Concept DevelopmentRequirements ManagementCross-disciplinary CoordinationDesign Reviews

Preferred

Space, Satellite, Or Defense ProgramsRequirements Management ToolsMatlab / SimulinkSTK (systems Tool Kit)

Stack & domain

Systems EngineeringRequirements ManagementTechnical Budget DevelopmentNew Mission ConceptsSystem ArchitecturesSubsystem SpecificationsCross-functional CoordinationDesign ReviewsTechnical Interchange MeetingsMatlabSimulinkSTKDoorsJamaLeadershipCommunicationTeam AlignmentExecutive CommunicationProblem-solvingAttention To DetailMultiple PrioritiesSelf-starterIssue ClosureAmbiguityTechnical And Executive AudiencesSpaceSatelliteDefenseEngineering

About the role

Original posting from AST SpaceMobile

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 Mid-Level Systems Engineer to join our growing team.  This role is designed for a versatile, engineer who can both lead and execute: stepping into project lead roles, driving technical budget development, shaping new concepts, and filling critical gaps across programs as business needs evolve.  

The ideal candidate brings demonstrated SE lead experience from prior programs and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where no two days look the same. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Serve as Systems Engineer Lead on assigned programs, owning technical direction from requirements definition through verification and validation 

Develop, maintain, and track technical budgets (mass, power, link, schedule) across multiple subsystems.

Lead the development of new mission concepts and system architectures in response to customer or internal needs.

Translate high-level requirements into actionable subsystem and interface specifications.

Coordinate across engineering disciplines (RF, software, mechanical, electrical) to drive system-level integration and resolve cross-cutting issues.

Facilitate and participate in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and technical interchange meetings (TIMs).

Qualifications 

Education:  

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field required;  

Experience: 

A minimum of 7 years of systems engineering experience, with at least 2 years serving as an SE Lead on a program of record 

Preferred Qualifications:  

Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.

Experience in space, satellite, or defense programs.

Experience with requirements management tools and configuration control processes.

Soft Skills: 

Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to lead and influence across cross-functional teams.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to brief technical and executive audiences.

Comfort operating in ambiguity — able to define the path forward when requirements are incomplete or roles are fluid.

Strong analytical and problem-solving ability with meticulous attention to detail across documentation and deliverables.

Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.

Self-starter who takes ownership and drives issues to closure without close supervision. 

Technology Stack: 

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, analysis, and reporting.

Requirements management tools: DOORS, Jama, or equivalent.

MATLAB / Simulink for analysis and trade studies (preferred).

STK (Systems Tool Kit) for mission analysis (preferred).

Physical Requirements 

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

Occasional travel to other AST SpaceMobile facilities or customer/government sites (up to 20%).

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.

Source: AST SpaceMobile careers

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