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. EMBEDDED & AUTOMATION SOFTWARE TEAM LEADER COMPANY: AST SpaceMobile ABOUT US: AST SpaceMobile, in partnership with global leaders, is building the world’s first and only space-based cellular broadband network — enabling direct connectivity to everyday smartphones. Designed for 4G/5G speeds, our mission is to connect people everywhere, eliminating the digital divide. ROLE OVERVIEW: We are seeking an experienced and driven Embedded & Automation Software Team Leader to manage and grow two high-performing teams: Embedded Software and Automation & Validation. This leadership role combines hands-on technical expertise with people management, driving the development of cutting-edge real-time software for satellite systems while ensuring high-quality validation and automation processes. You will own system architecture and delivery across the embedded stack and play a key role in bridging between R&D, hardware, RF, and QA teams. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Team Management: - Lead and mentor the Embedded Software and Automation/Validation teams. - Foster collaboration, accountability, and technical excellence across both groups. * Technical Leadership: - Oversee architecture, implementation, and integration of embedded software and test automation. - Guide development of drivers, RTOS applications, and system-level diagnostics for satellite systems. - Define automation strategy for functional, regression, and performance testing. * Project Ownership: - Manage team tasks, priorities, and schedules. - Ensure timely delivery of high-quality software and validation tools. * Collaboration: - Interface with cross-functional teams: Systems Engineering, RF, FPGA, Hardware, QA, and Operations. - Act as a technical point of contact for internal stakeholders and external partners. * Process & Quality: - Champion best practices in CI/CD, software verification, and documentation. - Continuously improve development and test workflows. QUALIFICATIONS: * Education: B.Sc in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. * Experience: - 7+ years of embedded software development experience. - 2+ years of team leadership, including multidisciplinary or cross-functional teams. * Technical Skills: - Expert in C/C++ and real-time programming (RTOS, bare metal). - Strong knowledge of embedded communication protocols: I2C, SPI, UART, RS-485. - Hands-on experience with lab equipment: oscilloscopes, analyzers, signal generators. - Familiarity with scripting languages (Python preferred) for automation. * Leadership Skills: - Proven ability to manage, develop, and inspire engineers across software and test domains. - Strong sense of ownership and execution. * Soft Skills: - Excellent communication and collaboration abilities. - Fluent in English, written and spoken. LOCATION: Petah Tikva, Israel 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.