Director – Lab & Field Validation (Gatekeepers)

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Director of Lab and Field Validation to lead a critical validation function responsible for ensuring service readiness of complex telecommunications solutions prior to deployment. This role oversees the execution of structured, repeatable validation processes within advanced lab environments that simulate real-world network conditions.

The Director will serve as a key quality control authority, ensuring that new features, configurations, and releases meet defined acceptance criteria before progressing to production environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and operation of lab environments that replicate real-world network ecosystems
• Oversee end-to-end validation activities across multiple network domains
• Define and execute validation strategies, including test plans, test cases, and automation frameworks
• Establish and enforce release acceptance criteria and validation standards
• Provide Go/No-Go recommendations for new features, configurations, and releases based on validation outcomes
• Ensure repeatability, consistency, and auditability of validation processes and results
• Reproduce and analyze complex field issues within controlled lab environments to support root-cause analysis
• Collaborate with engineering and development teams to provide validated feedback and drive continuous improvement
• Prevent non-conforming solutions from advancing to deployment phases
• Build, lead, and mentor cross-functional teams across software, hardware, and infrastructure disciplines
• Promote a strong validation culture, positioning validation as a critical release gate

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field
• Master’s degree in Engineering Management or an advanced technical discipline preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 15+ years of experience in telecommunications, satellite communications, wireless networks, or similar technical domains
• At least 5+ years managing highly technical teams in a complex engineering environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with large-scale, integrated network systems in lab or pre-production environments
• Strong background in end-to-end system validation and testing methodologies
• Experience developing automated validation or testing frameworks
• Familiarity with complex network architectures and system integration
• Proven ability to replicate and troubleshoot production-level issues in controlled environments

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to collaborate across cross-functional technical teams
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of validation processes and results
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Technology Stack

• Telecommunications technologies including radio access and core network systems
• Understanding of modern network architectures and validation methodologies
• Experience with test automation frameworks and tools
• Familiarity with lab infrastructure and simulation environments
• Tools used for system monitoring, testing, and performance analysis
• General knowledge of distributed systems and network integration

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office or lab environment and use a computer for extended periods
• Ability to interact with lab equipment and hardware systems as needed
• Capability to participate in virtual and in-person meetings
• Will require extensive travel based on business needs

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.