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 tool