Position Overview

We are seeking an ASIC Design Engineer to contribute to the design and implementation of complex silicon solutions used in AST’s space‑based communications systems.

The Silicon Team in Edinburgh is a small, highly focused group responsible for developing high‑value silicon that is core to AST’s mission of “Connecting the unconnected” - delivering the world’s first space‑based mobile broadband network.

The team works collaboratively to define and build next‑generation silicon, exploring advanced silicon technologies to continuously improve performance, capability, and efficiency. This is a hands‑on environment where silicon decisions directly impact AST’s ability to deliver a global communications network from space.

In this role, you will focus on high‑quality RTL development, micro‑architecture definition, and close collaboration across engineering disciplines. You will work alongside architecture, verification, and system teams—both internal and external—to deliver robust, high‑performance ASIC and SoC designs from concept through tape‑out.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create high‑quality micro‑architecture specifications and RTL code.
• Contribute to SoC integration and subsystem development.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders, including architecture, verification, and software teams.
• Participate in design reviews, providing technical input.
• Ensure alignment with requirements and design best practices.

Qualifications

Education:

BEng in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• Deep knowledge of hardware and digital design fundamentals.
• Strong SystemVerilog knowledge.
• Experience with SoC integration.
• Prior experience on complex RTL designs such as high‑speed I/O, CPUs, accelerators, or complex network‑on‑chip implementations.
• Ability to write clear, high‑quality micro‑architecture specifications.
• Competency in Python scripting or programming.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• Experience on large SoC / ASIC designs.
• RF knowledge is a strong plus.
• Understanding of digital signal processing.
• Experience with MATLAB is a plus.
• Background in communications or mobile silicon system design.

Soft Skills:

• Ability to collaborate closely with architecture, verification, software, and system teams.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to provide technical input during design reviews.

Technology Stack:

• SystemVerilog
• Python scripting or programming
• MATLAB

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel may be required to visit suppliers or other AST SpaceMobile design centers.

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. 

Position Overview

We are seeking a SoC Validation Engineer.

The Silicon Team in Edinburgh is a small, highly focused group responsible for developing high‑value silicon that is core to AST’s mission of “Connecting the unconnected”—delivering the world’s first space‑based mobile broadband network.

The team works collaboratively to define and build next‑generation silicon, exploring advanced silicon technologies to continuously improve performance, capability, and efficiency. This is a hands‑on environment where silicon decisions directly impact AST’s ability to deliver a global communications network from space.

In this role, the Validation Engineer will be responsible for defining, executing, and reporting on the validation of complex integrated circuit devices, working closely with System Definition, IC Design, and Software teams. This role spans pre‑silicon validation using FPGA prototypes through to post‑silicon bring‑up and system‑level validation, ensuring devices meet performance, functionality, and system integration requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with System Definition and IC Design teams to ensure devices are specified with optimal ball placement and external component selection to meet PCB technology and overall system requirements.
• Define and specify laboratory equipment and infrastructure required to effectively test and validate devices.
• Perform validation bring‑up using FPGA prototypes prior to IC manufacture.
• Define comprehensive validation test plans to validate IC performance either standalone or within a wider system, covering hardware, software, and RF aspects.
• Execute manual bring‑up and planned validation test activities, including fault isolation and debug.
• Define, develop, and implement regression and automation procedures to improve validation efficiency and coverage.
• Produce clear and concise validation reports for technical review and sign‑off.
• Support board‑level bring‑up and debug activities in collaboration with hardware and software teams.

Qualifications

Education:

BEng in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands‑on experience using laboratory equipment including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, network analyzers, and similar instrumentation.
• Practical experience with scripting or programming languages such as Python, Perl, C, or C++.
• Strong verbal communication and technical documentation skills.
• Experience working effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with DSP, wireless communication systems, and SerDes technologies.
• Experience validating complex System‑on‑Chip (SoC) designs involving embedded software.
• Background knowledge of RF fundamentals, antennas, and communication theory.

Soft Skills:

• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Strong technical documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to collaborate closely with System Definition, IC Design, Software, hardware, and validation teams.

Technology Stack:

• Laboratory validation equipment (spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, network analyzers).
• FPGA prototypes for pre‑silicon validation.
• Python, Perl, C, C++.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office and laboratory environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel may be required to visit suppliers, partners, or other AST SpaceMobile design centres.

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.