Solutions Architect

Summary

Join AST SpaceMobile, a company building the first space-based cellular broadband network, as a Solutions Architect. You will design, architect, and evolve our wireless core solutions (4G LTE and 5G NR), ensuring alignment with industry standards and business needs. This critical role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate strategic objectives into robust network designs. You will lead architectural design, solution engineering and integration, stakeholder management, and documentation efforts. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in 3GPP wireless core networks and a deep understanding of 3GPP standards. This position requires strong technical and communication skills, as well as the ability to lead and mentor teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in telecommunications, with at least 5 years in a Solutions Architect or Lead Network Engineer role focused on 3GPP wireless core networks
• Proven track record of designing, deploying, and optimizing large-scale 4G LTE EPC and/or 5G SA Core networks
• Extensive hands-on experience with core network elements from major vendors
• Experience with virtualized and cloud-native network functions (VNF/CNF) and orchestration platforms (e.g., OpenStack, VMware, Kubernetes, OpenShift)
• Deep understanding of 3GPP standards for 4G (Release 8-15) and 5G (Release 15-18, particularly including Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) features and Direct-to-Device/Cell (D2D/D2C) capabilities from Release 17 onwards), especially related to the core network
• Strong expertise in core network protocols and interfaces (e.g., S1-AP, NAS, GTP-C/U, Diameter, HTTP/2, SCTP, PFCP)
• Proficiency in wireless roaming architectures and protocols (e.g., S8, N9, Diameter, GRX/IPX, SEPP for 5G Inter-PLMN)
• Proficiency in network security principles and best practices for wireless core networks
• Familiarity with network automation tools and scripting (e.g., Ansible, Python, Terraform)
• Knowledge of IP networking, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), and QoS mechanisms
• Understanding of public cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their relevance to telecom core networks
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team
• Proven ability to lead technical discussions and drive consensus
• Proactive, self-motivated, and results oriented

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and evolution of our 3GPP-compliant wireless core network, including 4G LTE EPC and 5G SA Core
• Develop high-level and low-level design specifications, architectural blueprints, and technical roadmaps for core network components and interfaces
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, vendors, and solutions to enhance core network capabilities, performance, and cost-effectiveness
• Ensure designs comply with 3GPP specifications, industry best practices, and relevant regulatory requirements
• Drive the adoption of cloud-native principles, virtualization (NFV), and containerization (Kubernetes) in core network deployments
• Design for scalability, reliability, security, and operational efficiency
• Collaborate with engineering teams to guide the implementation, integration, and testing of core network elements and services
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to core network engineers
• Develop proof-of-concepts (PoCs) and prototypes to validate architectural choices and new technologies
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues and provide expert guidance for resolution
• Partner with Product Management to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions
• Work closely with Operations teams to ensure designs are operable, maintainable, and support efficient network management
• Engage with external vendors, industry forums, and standardization bodies to stay informed about industry trends and help shape future standards
• Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Create and maintain comprehensive architectural documentation, including design documents, interface specifications, and technical diagrams
• Contribute to the development of internal standards and best practices for core network design and deployment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with private cellular networks, CBRS, and IoT connectivity solutions is a plus
• Familiarity with ORAN concepts and their impact on the core network is a plus
• Knowledge of 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) architecture, protocols, and deployment considerations, including Direct-to-Device/Cell (D2D/D2C) connectivity via satellite (e.g., transparent vs. regenerative payloads, challenges with latency/Doppler, IoT-NTN, NR-NTN for D2D)