Senior Director, Device Validation

The posting, as AST SpaceMobile wrote it

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 Senior Director of Device Validation to lead the validation of the mobile devices that connect to the SpaceMobile network. AST SpaceMobile serves standard, unmodified smartphones directly from space, which makes the device the one element of the end-to-end link that AST does not control. This role owns the programme that proves, device by device and release by release, that those devices attach, stay connected and perform on the network — across the AST gateway radio access network, the satellite link and the mobile network operator (MNO) core.

The Senior Director will serve as the accountable owner of device validation within Service Enablement. The role defines the device validation strategy and acceptance criteria, runs lab and in-orbit validation, manages the OEM and chipset vendor relationships needed to resolve device-specific behaviour, and certifies devices for MNO launch. Because validation depends on scarce satellite passes, the role also plans pass demand across cell activation support, feature validation, OEM validation, and MNO testing and demos, and works with Service Delivery and Field RAN to turn committed gateway and pass capacity into a planned resource rather than a contested one. Validated devices and results are handed to Service Delivery and Service Assurance at the production readiness gate, and the role keeps the device compatibility record current as devices, operating systems and network features change.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the device validation strategy, test plans and acceptance criteria for devices on the SpaceMobile network, covering cell search and attach, connected-mode performance, mobility and handover, voice, messaging and data services, and emergency services behaviour.
• Lead OEM validation: partner with smartphone OEMs and chipset vendors to test devices on the network, resolve device-specific defects in modem, firmware and operating-system behaviour, and agree fixes against committed timelines.
• Lead MNO device acceptance and certification: align test plans, entry criteria and exit criteria with mobile network operator partners, and support operator demonstrations and launch readiness.
• Own the device compatibility record — supported devices, bands, operating-system and modem software versions, feature support and known issues — and keep it current through regression testing as devices and network features change.
• Plan and prioritize satellite pass demand across cell activation support, feature validation, OEM validation, and MNO testing and demos; agree committed, schedulable pass and gateway windows with Service Delivery and

[…]
ve and non-specialist audiences.

• Meticulous attention to detail in test evidence, configuration control and device performance analysis.
• Ability to manage competing priorities for scarce satellite passes in fast-paced test campaigns, including cross time zone coordination.

Technology Stack

• LTE and NR user equipment protocol and performance analysis, including UE logging and analysis tools such as XCAL.
• Device test lab: RF shielded enclosures, channel and satellite link emulators, spectrum analyzers and programmable attenuators.
• Test automation and scripting (Python) for regression testing, log parsing and KPI reporting.
• Satellite pass planning and scheduling data, and pass utilization reporting.
• RAN counters, eNB logs, telemetry and IQ captures, and OSS performance management.
• Device compatibility database, defect tracking, KPI dashboards and analytics, including AI-assisted triage.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to work in device test labs and at gateway and test sites, including outdoor RF environments and equipment shelters, in accordance with site safety requirements.
• Capability to participate in virtual and in-person meetings.
• Will require extensive travel based on business needs, including OEM, operator and gateway site visits.

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.