VP Telco Network Architecture & Cyber Security

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.

Position Overview

We are seeking a VP, Network Architecture & Cyber Security to lead the design, evolution, and security of carrier-grade network infrastructure supporting advanced telecommunications services. This executive leadership role is responsible for defining network architecture strategy across core, transport, and IP domains while establishing and maintaining a comprehensive cyber security framework that protects critical network assets, services, and customer data.

The VP will lead the Network Engineering and Cyber Security organizations, driving architecture standards, security strategy, compliance programs, and technology roadmaps. Working closely with engineering, operations, product, service delivery, and executive leadership teams, this individual will ensure all services are designed, deployed, and operated in alignment with performance, security, scalability, and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in telecommunications network architecture, cyber security leadership, risk management, and organizational development, with a proven track record leading large-scale engineering and security organizations in highly complex environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end network architecture strategy across core, transport, IP, and interconnect domains
• Establish and maintain architecture standards, design principles, reference architectures, and engineering governance processes
• Ensure network designs support scalability, reliability, performance, and interoperability across global deployments
• Provide technical leadership and direction for network engineering teams responsible for architecture, planning, and implementation
• Define and execute the cyber security strategy, architecture, and multi-year technology roadmap
• Lead security architecture reviews for new services, infrastructure deployments, partner integrations, and technology initiatives
• Establish security policies, standards, and controls that support secure system development and operational readiness
• Drive vulnerability management, security testing, patch management, and risk remediation programs
• Ensure security requirements are integrated into validation, testing, deployment, and operational processes
• Own compliance efforts related to telecommunications, security, privacy, and industry regulatory requirements
• Lead security audits, assessments, and certification activities while maintaining compliance documentation and evidence
• Serve as the senior network architecture and cyber security representative for customers, partners, regulators, and industry stakeholders
• Maintain enterprise risk management processes related to network architecture, cyber security, and operational resiliency
• Support major incident response activities by providing senior-level engineering and security expertise
• Establish incident response frameworks, playbooks, escalation models, and operational readiness programs
• Partner with operational teams to strengthen security monitoring, threat detection, and response capabilities
• Lead and develop Network Engineering and Cyber Security leadership teams
• Build organizational structure, workforce plans, governance frameworks, and long-term talent strategies
• Establish operating rhythms, performance metrics, and executive reporting mechanisms for architecture and security organizations
• Present strategy, risk posture, compliance status, roadmap priorities, and key initiatives to executive leadership
• Identify and communicate strategic risks, architectural dependencies, security concerns, and roadmap impacts

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security, Telecommunications, or a related technical discipline
• Master's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Cyber Security, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
• Industry certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCIE, CCNP, GIAC, or comparable credentials preferred

Experience:

• Minimum 15–20 years of experience in telecommunications network architecture, network engineering, cyber security, or related technical leadership roles
• Significant leadership experience managing engineering, architecture, and cyber security organizations
• Proven experience overseeing carrier-grade network architecture and cyber security programs
• Experience developing and implementing enterprise-level network and security strategies
• Experience leading global, geographically distributed engineering and security teams
• Experience managing risk, compliance, security governance, and operational readiness programs
• Experience working within telecommunications, wireless communications, networking, or critical infrastructure environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting satellite communications, non-terrestrial networks, or direct-to-device communication services
• Experience working with mobile network operators, telecommunications service providers, systems integrators, or network equipment vendors
• Experience with large-scale cloud, virtualization, and software-defined networking environments
• Familiarity with modern security architectures including Zero Trust frameworks
• Experience supporting regulatory audits, security certifications, and telecommunications compliance initiatives
• Experience presenting to executive leadership, boards of directors, regulators, and industry organizations
• Experience building and scaling high-performing engineering and security organizations

Soft Skills:

• Exceptional executive presence and leadership capabilities
• Strong strategic planning and organizational development skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical, operational, and executive audiences
• Strong decision-making and risk management abilities
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive organizational alignment
• Strong problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to balance long-term strategy with tactical execution
• Proven ability to build, mentor, and retain high-performing teams

Technology Stack:

• 4G LTE and 5G Core technologies
• Telecommunications transport and IP networking platforms
• Network architecture and design frameworks
• Routing and switching technologies
• Security information and event management (SIEM) platforms
• Vulnerability management and threat detection solutions
• Identity and access management platforms
• Zero Trust security technologies
• Security monitoring and incident response tools
• Cloud infrastructure and virtualization platforms
• Software-defined networking technologies
• Network performance monitoring and analytics systems
• Governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) platforms
• Microsoft Office Suite