Director, Network Operations

About the Company

AST SpaceMobile is pioneering the creation of the world’s first global cellular broadband network in space, designed to interface seamlessly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. Their network aims to address the connectivity gaps impacting over five billion mobile users worldwide and provide broadband access to billions currently unconnected, leveraging a substantial portfolio of IP and patents for commercial and government use.

Role Overview

The Director of Network Operations will spearhead the oversight and management of a sophisticated communications and network infrastructure environment, ensuring continuous 24/7 operations with a focus on service availability, incident resolution, and operational excellence. This leadership role demands strategic direction, team mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration to foster infrastructure growth and technological advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Network Operations Center (NOC) teams in 24/7 monitoring, incident handling, and service restoration functions.
• Drive network operations strategies, implementations, and ongoing improvements to maintain high service uptime and performance.
• Define and track key operational metrics, including SLAs and KPIs.
• Establish best practices for incident, problem, and escalation management alongside operational reporting.
• Ensure prompt detection, escalation, and resolution of network outages or service disruptions.
• Conduct root cause analyses and post-incident reviews to enhance operational procedures and prevent repeats.
• Create and update processes and standards to optimize network monitoring and response effectiveness.
• Manage technical support activities across communications, network, and infrastructure systems.
• Build and mentor onsite and remote operations teams to foster high performance.
• Communicate executive-level updates regarding network status, risks, and major incidents.
• Collaborate with engineering, logistics, procurement, and program management stakeholders.
• Support readiness initiatives for new technologies and infrastructure deployments.
• Utilize analytics and operational reports to identify trends and propose continuous improvements.
• Assist with budget planning, resource allocation, and controlling operational costs.
• Explore and implement process optimizations, automation, and efficiency gains.
• Maintain up-to-date operational policies and documentation aligned to company objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, IT, telecommunications, computer science, or related technical field.
• At least 8 years of experience in network operations, telecommunications, or infrastructure operations.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership experience managing technical operations teams.
• Experienced in 24/7 operational support environments, incident response, and service restoration programs.
• Background supporting complex communications, networking, or mission-critical infrastructure setups.
• Additional certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMP, network certifications) are advantageous.

Preferred Expertise

• Familiarity with satellite communications, wireless, cellular, or extensive network infrastructures.
• Experience supporting NOCs and service operations organizations.
• Knowledge of network infrastructure, transport systems, and communication technologies.
• Expertise managing highly available operational infrastructure.
• Understanding of ITIL-based service management and operational best practices.
• Proven track record in implementing automation and monitoring solutions.
• Ability to lead globally distributed technical teams.
• Experience with infrastructure deployment and operational readiness projects.
• Project or program management experience within technical domains.

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership qualities with skills to develop and motivate technical staff.
• Proven collaboration abilities across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including executive-level reporting.
• Highly detail-oriented ensuring operational accuracy.
• Analytical thinker with proactive problem-solving aptitude.
• Organized with strong time management and multitasking capability.
• Decision-making skills under pressure.
• Adaptable to fast-moving and changing environments.
• Customer-focused approach emphasizing operational excellence.

Technology Environment

• Network monitoring and management platforms.
• Incident management and ticketing systems.
• Network performance tools and reporting dashboards.
• Telecommunications infrastructure technologies.
• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project).
• Service management platforms and workflows.
• Process automation and operational support utilities.
• Enterprise collaboration tools.

Physical and Operational Requirements

• Ability to work in office settings with extended computer use.
• Capability to review technical documents, network diagrams, and operational data.
• Participate actively in meetings and operational reviews.
• Ability to respond effectively in urgent operational incidents.
• Occasional business travel as needed.
• Work environments may include operational centers, labs, data centers.
• Capacity to support 24/7 operational duties, including escalation and on-call participation.

Additional Requirements

• Must hold an active Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) security clearance.
• US citizenship required due to government contractual obligations.

Equal Employment

AST SpaceMobile operates as an Equal Opportunity employer, ensuring employment decisions are based on individual merit and qualifications without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any protected status by law.