Lead SW 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 hands-on Lead Software Engineer to build, lead, and mentor a software team within our dynamic defense organization. This role will focus on designing and managing the software infrastructure and firmware development that supports multiple product variants across our space-based platforms. The ideal candidate is both a technical expert and a strong leader-capable of performing hands-on integration work while driving overall strategy, roadmaps, and execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, manage, and mentor a software engineering team while performing hands-on technical work, planning, and road mapping for key software technologies.
• Oversee and perform integration of various software components-including firmware, embedded applications, and signal processing algorithms-onto mission-critical hardware.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive software integration plans, procedures, and automated scripts to streamline build, testing, and deployment.
• Collaborate closely with software development and systems engineering to define APIs, establish interfaces, and resolve integration dependencies.
• Configure, maintain, and optimize software integration environments, including build servers, version control tools, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex integration issues, conducting thorough root cause analysis and implementing long-term fixes.
• Document integration processes, software builds, and release configurations to ensure traceability, reliability, and repeatability.
• Support system-level testing by providing stable software builds and assisting in hardware-software verification activities.
• Establish new development processes and guide the team through development, coding, testing, and deployment phases.
• Serve as the primary representative of the software team to AST leadership and external customers.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.

Experience

A minimum of 10 years leading teams in software development, integration, DevOps, or software engineering-preferably within aerospace, defense, or telecommunications.

Qualifications

• Experience working with embedded systems or real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Background in software-hardware integration for mission-critical systems.
• Prior experience supporting space, satellite, or defense-related platforms.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance is highly preferred; ability to obtain a clearance is required.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to build and mentor high-performing teams.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional engineering teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills to ensure accurate documentation and high-quality deliverables.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, especially related to complex software systems.

Technology Stack

• Programming and scripting experience: Python, C/C++, Bash
• Version control systems: Git
• Build and automation tools: Jenkins, GitLab CI
• Familiarity with embedded systems, firmware development, and integration tools
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, build servers, and automation frameworks

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to collaborate in on-site engineering and lab environments as needed.

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.