{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"5f7b589e9e4374172df611eb","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/5f7b589e9e4374172df611eb","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/5f7b589e9e4374172df611eb","title":"Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer","description":"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.\n\nPosition Overview\nWe are seeking a Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer to lead device readiness and validation activities for direct-to-device wireless communication services. This role is responsible for ensuring commercial mobile devices operate successfully across the network by working closely with chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, and mobile network operators to validate performance, troubleshoot issues, and drive device certification efforts.\n\nThe ideal candidate combines deep mobile device and modem expertise with strong customer-facing capabilities, serving as a trusted technical advisor during device validation, field testing, onboarding, and commercial launch activities.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nOwn device validation strategy for operator onboarding programs, including device selection, test planning, certification requirements, and compatibility tracking\n\nLead laboratory and field validation efforts for commercial mobile devices, including connectivity, mobility, throughput, latency, application performance, and user experience testing\n\nCollaborate with chipset vendors and device manufacturers to resolve device, modem, firmware, and interoperability issues\n\nServe as the primary technical lead during customer workshops, testing events, device validation activities, and technical reviews\n\nDefine device readiness criteria, acceptance standards, test methodologies, and launch requirements\n\nAnalyze modem logs, protocol traces, RF measurements, and performance data to identify root causes and resolve technical issues\n\nManage the device defect lifecycle from identification through validation and resolution\n\nMaintain device compatibility matrices and certification documentation\n\nDevelop and present technical reports, readiness assessments, executive summaries, and performance recommendations\n\nPartner with internal engineering teams to improve device performance, validation processes, and customer onboarding activities\n\nSupport field trials, proof-of-concept programs, beta deployments, and commercial launch readiness activities\n\nMentor technical teams on device behavior, performance characteristics, and troubleshooting methodologies\n\nQualifications\nEducation\n\nBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field\n\nMaster's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline preferred.\n\nExperience\n\nMinimum 12 years of experience in mobile device validation, chipset validation, device certification, wireless testing, or device-focused field engineering\n\nMinimum 5 years of experience serving in a senior technical lead, principal engineer, or equivalent leadership capacity\n\nHands‑on experience validating mobile devices, modem technologies, or wireless communication platforms\n\nStrong understanding of LTE technologies, signaling procedures, device connectivity, mobility management, and wireless performance analysis\n\nWorking knowledge of 5G technologies and next‑generation wireless architectures\n\nProven experience working directly with chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, or wireless operators to resolve technical issues\n\nExperience presenting technical findings and recommendations to customers, operators, and executive stakeholders\n\nPreferred Qualifications\n\nExperience with non-terrestrial networks, satellite communications, or direct-to-device wireless technologies\n\nExperience supporting commercial device certification and carrier acceptance programs\n\nFamiliarity with IMS, VoLTE, VoNR, SIM, and eSIM technologies\n\nExperience with test automation and scripting using Python or similar languages\n\nExperience supporting international operator deployments and device certification initiatives\n\nAdditional language skills supporting global customer engagements\n\nSoft Skills\n\nStrong analytical and problem-solving abilities\n\nExcellent written and verbal communication skills\n\nStrong customer-facing presentation and relationship management skills\n\nAbility to communicate complex technical topics to both engineering and executive audiences\n\nProven ability to influence external partners and stakeholders without direct authority\n\nStrong organizational and project management capabilities\n\nMeticulous attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy\n\nAbility to operate effectively in fast‑paced, highly collaborative environments\n\nAbility to manage competing priorities across multiple customers, projects, and technical teams\n\nTechnology Stack\n\nDevice logging and protocol analysis tools\n\nModem diagnostics and troubleshooting platforms\n\nWireshark\n\nDrive testing and network measurement tools\n\nRF test equipment and over-the-air (OTA) validation systems\n\nSpectrum analyzers\n\nChannel emulators\n\nRF shield box systems\n\nLTE and 5G testing platforms\n\nOpen5GS or comparable core network environments\n\nNetwork performance and traffic analysis tools\n\nPython\n\nJira\n\nConfluence\n\nData analysis and reporting tools\n\nMicrosoft Office Suite\n\nPhysical Requirements\n\nAbility to work in a standard office, laboratory, and testing environment while using computers and test equipment for extended periods\n\nAbility to review technical documentation, test results, protocol logs, and engineering reports\n\nAbility to participate in customer‑facing meetings, workshops, testing events, and technical reviews\n\nAbility to remain stationary for extended periods while performing analysis, validation, and troubleshooting activities\n\nDomestic and international travel of approximately 25–35% as required to support customer engagements, operator testing, and validation activities\n\nBenefits & Perks\n\nMedical, Dental, and Vision Insurance\n\n401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match\n\nCompany-Paid Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance\n\nCompany-Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance\n\nHealth Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options\n\nEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)\n\nVoluntary Supplemental Benefits\n\nPaid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays\n\nCareer Growth and Development Opportunities\n\nThis 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.\n\nAST 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.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Astscience","rawCompany":"astscience","city":"Lanham","state":"MD","isRemote":false,"isActive":true,"createdAt":"2026-11-07T04:45:50.023Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2112.02","title":"Validation Engineers","slug":"validation-engineers"},{"code":"15-1241.01","title":"Telecommunications Engineering Specialists","slug":"telecommunications-engineering-specialists"},{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"}],"industries":[{"code":"517112","title":"Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)","slug":"wireless-telecommunications-carriers-except-satellite"},{"code":"517810","title":"All Other Telecommunications","slug":"all-other-telecommunications"},{"code":"517410","title":"Satellite Telecommunications","slug":"satellite-telecommunications"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer","description":"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.\n\nPosition Overview\nWe are seeking a Sr. Principal Device Validation Engineer to lead device readiness and validation activities for direct-to-device wireless communication services. This role is responsible for ensuring commercial mobile devices operate successfully across the network by working closely with chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, and mobile network operators to validate performance, troubleshoot issues, and drive device certification efforts.\n\nThe ideal candidate combines deep mobile device and modem expertise with strong customer-facing capabilities, serving as a trusted technical advisor during device validation, field testing, onboarding, and commercial launch activities.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nOwn device validation strategy for operator onboarding programs, including device selection, test planning, certification requirements, and compatibility tracking\n\nLead laboratory and field validation efforts for commercial mobile devices, including connectivity, mobility, throughput, latency, application performance, and user experience testing\n\nCollaborate with chipset vendors and device manufacturers to resolve device, modem, firmware, and interoperability issues\n\nServe as the primary technical lead during customer workshops, testing events, device validation activities, and technical reviews\n\nDefine device readiness criteria, acceptance standards, test methodologies, and launch requirements\n\nAnalyze modem logs, protocol traces, RF measurements, and performance data to identify root causes and resolve technical issues\n\nManage the device defect lifecycle from identification through validation and resolution\n\nMaintain device compatibility matrices and certification documentation\n\nDevelop and present technical reports, readiness assessments, executive summaries, and performance recommendations\n\nPartner with internal engineering teams to improve device performance, validation processes, and customer onboarding activities\n\nSupport field trials, proof-of-concept programs, beta deployments, and commercial launch readiness activities\n\nMentor technical teams on device behavior, performance characteristics, and troubleshooting methodologies\n\nQualifications\nEducation\n\nBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field\n\nMaster's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline preferred.\n\nExperience\n\nMinimum 12 years of experience in mobile device validation, chipset validation, device certification, wireless testing, or device-focused field engineering\n\nMinimum 5 years of experience serving in a senior technical lead, principal engineer, or equivalent leadership capacity\n\nHands‑on experience validating mobile devices, modem technologies, or wireless communication platforms\n\nStrong understanding of LTE technologies, signaling procedures, device connectivity, mobility management, and wireless performance analysis\n\nWorking knowledge of 5G technologies and next‑generation wireless architectures\n\nProven experience working directly with chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, or wireless operators to resolve technical issues\n\nExperience presenting technical findings and recommendations to customers, operators, and executive stakeholders\n\nPreferred Qualifications\n\nExperience with non-terrestrial networks, satellite communications, or direct-to-device wireless technologies\n\nExperience supporting commercial device certification and carrier acceptance programs\n\nFamiliarity with IMS, VoLTE, VoNR, SIM, and eSIM technologies\n\nExperience with test automation and scripting using Python or similar languages\n\nExperience supporting international operator deployments and device certification initiatives\n\nAdditional language skills supporting global customer engagements\n\nSoft Skills\n\nStrong analytical and problem-solving abilities\n\nExcellent written and verbal communication skills\n\nStrong customer-facing presentation and relationship management skills\n\nAbility to communicate complex technical topics to both engineering and executive audiences\n\nProven ability to influence external partners and stakeholders without direct authority\n\nStrong organizational and project management capabilities\n\nMeticulous attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy\n\nAbility to operate effectively in fast‑paced, highly collaborative environments\n\nAbility to manage competing priorities across multiple customers, projects, and technical teams\n\nTechnology Stack\n\nDevice logging and protocol analysis tools\n\nModem diagnostics and troubleshooting platforms\n\nWireshark\n\nDrive testing and network measurement tools\n\nRF test equipment and over-the-air (OTA) validation systems\n\nSpectrum analyzers\n\nChannel emulators\n\nRF shield box systems\n\nLTE and 5G testing platforms\n\nOpen5GS or comparable core network environments\n\nNetwork performance and traffic analysis tools\n\nPython\n\nJira\n\nConfluence\n\nData analysis and reporting tools\n\nMicrosoft Office Suite\n\nPhysical Requirements\n\nAbility to work in a standard office, laboratory, and testing environment while using computers and test equipment for extended periods\n\nAbility to review technical documentation, test results, protocol logs, and engineering reports\n\nAbility to participate in customer‑facing meetings, workshops, testing events, and technical reviews\n\nAbility to remain stationary for extended periods while performing analysis, validation, and troubleshooting activities\n\nDomestic and international travel of approximately 25–35% as required to support customer engagements, operator testing, and validation activities\n\nBenefits & Perks\n\nMedical, Dental, and Vision Insurance\n\n401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match\n\nCompany-Paid Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance\n\nCompany-Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance\n\nHealth Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options\n\nEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)\n\nVoluntary Supplemental Benefits\n\nPaid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays\n\nCareer Growth and Development Opportunities\n\nThis 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.\n\nAST 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.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-11-07T04:45:50.023Z","dateModified":"2026-11-07T04:45:50.023Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Astscience","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Lanham","addressRegion":"MD","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"5f7b589e9e4374172df611eb"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/5f7b589e9e4374172df611eb"}}