Partner Technical Lead - Japan

AST SpaceMobile 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.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Partner Technical Lead (PTL) to serve as the primary technical liaison for strategic telecommunications partners, driving the successful integration, enablement, and deployment of advanced wireless communication services. This role combines deep technical expertise in cellular radio access networks (RAN) with strong customer-facing leadership, ensuring seamless collaboration between internal engineering teams and external partner organizations.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in wireless network systems, technical solution delivery, and customer engagement within large-scale telecommunications environments. They will be responsible for technical governance, issue resolution, deployment readiness, and ongoing service optimization across complex, multi-domain network ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for assigned telecommunications partners throughout integration and deployment activities.
• Lead technical reviews, integration workshops, deployment readiness assessments, and launch planning discussions.
• Communicate technical requirements, dependencies, risks, and timelines to both technical and business stakeholders.
• Manage technical escalations and drive resolution of partner-impacting issues.
• Service Integration & Enablement
• Support the deployment and validation of wireless network services across multiple network domains.
• Coordinate feature enablement activities, system configuration, testing, and operational readiness efforts.
• Validate network performance, service functionality, and key operational metrics against established requirements.
• Provide technical guidance on network architecture, feature implementation, and service optimization strategies.
• Technical Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution
• Lead root cause analysis activities for complex network, system, and service-related issues.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and product teams to identify and resolve defects.
• Develop troubleshooting procedures, technical documentation, and corrective action plans.
• Drive issues through resolution while maintaining clear communication with stakeholders.
• Program Execution & Reporting
• Track deployment milestones, readiness criteria, and partner integration status.
• Develop and maintain technical reports, dashboards, risk assessments, and action-item tracking.
• Present technical updates, status reports, and recommendations to leadership teams.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through lessons learned and process optimization.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with engineering, operations, service assurance, deployment, and product teams.
• Contribute to technical standards, best practices, deployment guidelines, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Support the development and refinement of operational procedures and technical documentation.

Qualifications

• Education
• Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related technical field.
• Advanced degree and/or industry-recognized telecommunications certifications are preferred.
• Experience
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in wireless telecommunications, network engineering, systems integration, solution architecture, or customer technical leadership roles.
• Experience supporting large-scale wireless network deployments and service enablement initiatives.
• Demonstrated success managing technical relationships with telecommunications operators, enterprise customers, or strategic technology partners.
• Hands-on experience with LTE and/or 5G network integration, configuration, optimization, and troubleshooting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with satellite-integrated communications systems, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or hybrid network architectures.
• Familiarity with multi-vendor network environments and interoperability initiatives.
• Experience supporting network trials, feature validations, and new technology introductions.
• Knowledge of wireless network protocols, transport architectures, and performance optimization methodologies.
• Experience working in highly collaborative, global engineering environments.
• Soft Skills
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and effectively communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate across cross-functional, geographically distributed teams and build productive working relationships.
• Demonstrated leadership, ownership, and sound decision-making in fast-paced, results-oriented environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex technical and operational challenges.
• Excellent organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality execution.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of technical documentation, deliverables, and reporting.
• Technology Stack
• LTE and 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies.
• Wireless network protocols, interfaces, and architecture components.
• Network monitoring, diagnostics, and performance analysis tools.
• Data visualization and reporting platforms (e.g., dashboarding and analytics tools).
• Telecommunications testing and troubleshooting applications.
• Ticketing, documentation, and project tracking platforms.
• Network log analysis and performance optimization tools.
• Scripting and automation technologies, including Python and shell scripting.
• Collaboration and knowledge management platforms.
• Physical Requirements
• Ability to work in a standard office or remote environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to participate in virtual meetings and collaborate with global teams across multiple time zones.
• Ability to review technical documentation, reports, and system data for extended periods.
• Occasional to frequent travel may be required to support partner meetings, testing activities, deployment initiatives, and business operations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• 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.