Speed Systems Engineer Lead

High Speed Systems Engineer Lead

Barcelona, Spain

AST Space Mobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today's five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

We are seeking an experienced High Speed Systems Engineer Lead to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced high-speed electronic systems for next-generation satellite and telecommunications platforms. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with technical leadership responsibilities, driving architecture decisions, mentoring engineering teams, and ensuring successful delivery of complex hardware systems throughout the product lifecycle.

• Lead the design and development of high-speed multilayer PCBs with controlled impedance.
• Define system architecture for high-speed digital and mixed-signal platforms.
• Lead the development of high-speed interfaces including DDR, PCIe, Ethernet, and Ser Des technologies.
• Drive signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI), and RF design reviews.
• Oversee schematic design, PCB layout activities, and stack-up definition.
• Perform and supervise signal integrity, power integrity, and RF simulations.
• Lead hardware validation, testing, debugging, and root cause analysis activities.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to hardware engineering teams.
• Coordinate activities across FPGA, RF, embedded software, mechanical, and systems engineering teams.
• Support project planning, technical risk assessment, and resource allocation.
• Review technical documentation and ensure compliance with engineering standards and best practices.
• Support manufacturing, product qualification, and production ramp-up activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across hardware development processes.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree is considered a strong advantage.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in high-speed hardware and systems engineering.
• Proven experience leading technical projects and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Extensive experience with high-speed digital design and complex PCB development.
• Strong knowledge of signal integrity, power integrity, and transmission line theory.
• Experience with high-speed protocols including PCIe, Ethernet, DDR, and Ser Des.
• Experience in system integration, validation, and troubleshooting of complex electronic platforms.
• Hands-on laboratory experience using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, and related test equipment.
• Experience working in satellite, aerospace, telecommunications, or other highly regulated industries.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading hardware development teams.
• RF design experience in the GHz frequency range.
• Experience with satellite communications systems.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based architectures and embedded systems.
• Experience with EMC/EMI compliance testing and certification.
• Experience using simulation tools such as Hyper Lynx, ADS, HFSS, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of product lifecycle management and systems engineering methodologies.

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to make technical decisions in complex and fast-paced environments.
• Strategic thinking combined with a hands-on engineering approach.

Technology Stack:
• Altium Designer.
• Cadence Design Systems.
• Hyper Lynx.
• ADS (Advanced Design System).
• HFSS.
•…