Senior RAN System Architect – Satellite-Integrated Cellular Systems

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior RAN System Architect to lead the definition, integration, and optimization of LTE/5G radio systems across our global satellite-ground infrastructure—the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones. This role sits at the intersection of beamforming, fronthaul design, scheduler behavior, and interference management to drive measurable improvements in cell throughput, reliability, and scalability. The ideal candidate brings deep experience from a leading RAN vendor and a strong understanding of baseband design, control, and scheduling pipelines—adapted for non-traditional deployments like ours.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end RAN performance optimization by analyzing and tuning eNB/gNB behavior to maximize cell throughput (TpT), coverage, reliability, and interference efficiency.
• Ensure robust operation of terrestrial RAN features—such as scheduling, MIMO, mobility, and interference coordination—when deployed over AST’s space-based infrastructure via standard CPRI/eCPRI interfaces.
• Own cell- and network-level performance modeling, including:
  • Spectral efficiency
  • Cell density and reuse strategies
  • Beam transitions and UE tracking
  • Interference prediction and mitigation
• Design and validate advanced scheduling and beam coordination techniques, informed by UE location, spectrum usage, and beam patterns.
• Define and contribute to predictive data models that inform planning, deployment, and scaling decisions across the global system.
• Collaborate with system integration, DSP, RF, and core network teams to align baseband behavior with AST’s product goals.
• Define test strategies and validation plans that ensure system-wide performance across the satellite, ground, and RAN layers.
• Serve as a key technical interface to RAN vendors and partners, participating in debugging, integration workshops, and roadmap alignment.

Qualifications

Education:

• BSc or MSc in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or related field from a recognized institution.
• Relevant certifications in cellular systems or wireless communications (e.g., 3GPP, LTE/5G) are a plus.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8–12 years in cellular system engineering, RAN performance, or architecture roles (including vendor-side experience).
• Proven experience in real cellular network deployment and optimization (lab and field).
• Expertise in 3GPP specifications for 4G and 5G, with hands-on interpretation and application to system design.
• Firm understanding of PHY/MAC/RLC/PDCP/RRC layers and their interplay in baseband systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with non-terrestrial networks (NTN) or space-ground hybrid architectures.
• Hands-on background with beamforming systems, antenna arrays, and RF front-end constraints.
• Familiarity with traffic modeling, scheduler design, and spectral efficiency optimization at scale.
• Experience working with RAN vendors (e.g., integration, debugging, feature enablement).
• Knowledge of fronthaul protocols (CPRI/eCPRI) and transport considerations in constrained or high-latency environments.
• Background in predictive modeling, data science, or simulation frameworks for network planning.
• Exposure to O-RAN architectures and vendor interoperability.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross-functional technical discussions (DSP, RF, Systems, Core).
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within distributed, multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to distill complex concepts for technical and executive audiences.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of models, documentation, and deliverables.
• Analytical problem solver with a bias toward measurable outcomes and system-wide impact.
• Ownership mindset; comfortable navigating ambiguity in cutting-edge, non-traditional deployments.

Technology Stack

• RAN & Baseband: eNB/gNB stacks, scheduler frameworks, MIMO/beamforming, HARQ, CQI/PMI/RI, mobility and ICIC/eICIC/CoMP.
• Interfaces & Transport: CPRI/eCPRI, O-RAN interfaces, Ethernet/IP transport, timing/synchronization (PTP, GPS).
• Modeling & Simulation: MATLAB, Python, NumPy/Pandas, simulation tools for link/system-level performance.
• RF/DSP Tools: RF planning tools, spectrum analysis, test instrumentation (e.g., vector signal analyzers/generators).
• Data & Visualization: Jupyter, data pipelines for KPI analysis; familiarity with logging/telemetry systems.
• Standards & Specs: 3GPP (LTE/NR), NTN-related specs, vendor roadmaps and interoperability frameworks.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to participate in lab testing environments with standard RF and baseband equipment.
• May require occasional travel for integration workshops, vendor engagements, or field validations.

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.