Payload Systems Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 27, 2026. First seen by Alion on May 13, 2026. Viasat scores B on the Alion truth index.
One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.
What you'll do
As a Satellite Systems Engineer, you will focus on the forefront technology for innovative satcom architectures. You understand the space environment for telecommunication systems and have hands-on experience in designing sophisticated space payloads.
This should include but is not limited to in-depth knowledge of communication chains, transponders, power management and distribution units, on-board processing units for digital regenerative applications and beam forming. Additional experience in hardware and software background for payload management is a plus.
We are seeking someone who thrives in an R&D framework environment. You are passionate about continuous improvement and you feel at ease in a multidisciplinary international environment. The ideal candidate will enjoy working on a variety of workflows from system definition, to requirements downflow, reviewing subsystem design/co-design. Additionally, knowledge of manufacturing, integration, test and qualification to the critical assessment of third-party are also a plus.
The day-to-day
- Lead mission analysis for space system requirements and down-flow to lower tiers.
- Lead SWaPC analysis and defining interfaces (digital, electrical, RF, optical, mechanical/thermal, etc.).
- Lead architectural trades, link budgets, and support design decisions.
- Help drive and facilitate discussions with subcontractors/partners as the need arises.
- Challenge external contractors on technical matters.
- Assist with reliability analysis and simulations
- Support on space qualification activities including advising on bus selection and components.
- Assist program management and B&P, including interfacing with customers on programmatic and schedule matters.
- Support test procedures, and participate in the integration, test campaign, launch and in-orbit commissioning.
- Be involved in preparing presentations and reports for the full development (design reviews, test activities, manufacturing, qualifications, progress review, etc.) at a collaborator level.
What you'll need
- MS/PhD in Engineering (SatCom, Telecommunications, Electronics, Digital Systems, etc.)
- 8-10 years of proven experience in the following areas:
- SatCom and Payload architectures for LEO/MEO/GEO/HEO
- Phased Array Antennas
- HW/SW design, development, and integration for space applications
- Digital design for space communications
- Digital regenerative payloads
- Inter-satellite links and digital phased array antennas
- Satellite architectures
- System engineering for space applications
- Space qualification for complex systems
- Experience with orbital analysis tools, Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TT&C) platform, and Ansys Systems Tool Kit (STK).
- Experience with operations, including satellite TT&C operations, payload operations, users, and network management facilities
- Swiss or EU (27) Citizenship or valid Swiss working permit
What will help you on the job
- Previous experience on working with ESA/NASA programs
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EEO Statement
Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.
- Lead mission analysis for space system requirements and down-flow to lower tiers.
- Lead SWaPC analysis and defining interfaces (digital, electrical, RF, optical, mechanical/thermal, etc.).
- Lead architectural trades, link budgets, and support design decisions.
- Help drive and facilitate discussions with subcontractors/partners as the need arises.
- Challenge external contractors on technical matters.
- Assist with reliability analysis and simulations
- Support on space qualification activities including advising on bus selection and components.
- Assist program management and B&P, including interfacing with customers on programmatic and schedule matters.
- Support test procedures, and participate in the integration, test campaign, launch and in-orbit commissioning.
- Be involved in preparing presentations and reports for the full development (design reviews, test activities, manufacturing, qualifications, progress review, etc.) at a collaborator level.
- MS/PhD in Engineering (SatCom, Telecommunications, Electronics, Digital Systems, etc.)
- 8-10 years of proven experience in the following areas:
- SatCom and Payload architectures for LEO/MEO/GEO/HEO
- Phased Array Antennas
- HW/SW design, development, and integration for space applications
- Digital design for space communications
- Digital regenerative payloads
- Inter-satellite links and digital phased array antennas
- Satellite architectures
- System engineering for space applications
- Space qualification for complex systems
- Experience with orbital analysis tools, Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TT&C) platform, and Ansys Systems Tool Kit (STK).
- Experience with operations, including satellite TT&C operations, payload operations, users, and network management facilities
- Swiss or EU (27) Citizenship or valid Swiss working permit