Program Field Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 28, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 9, 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 Program Field Engineer, you will provide installation, integration, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and sustainment support for mission-critical satellite communications systems supporting government customers worldwide.
The day-to-day
You will support field service activities, including Organization-Level (O-Level) Maintenance, Depot-Level (D-Level) Maintenance, corrective maintenance actions, preventive maintenance programs, and lifecycle sustainment initiatives that ensure long-term system reliability and operational readiness. Additionally, work closely with customers, operators, engineering organizations, logistics teams and program leadership to diagnose system anomalies, restore mission capability, and execute modernization efforts across geographically dispersed sites while supporting the complete lifecycle of complex SATCOM and RF systems - from installation and acceptance testing - through sustainment, technology refresh, depot repair activities, and operational support.
- Perform maintenance activities supporting the operational readiness, sustainment, and lifecycle management of SATCOM, RF and ground infrastructure
- Execute maintenance and equipment repairs, system upgrades and technical refresh initiatives to maximize system availability and mission performance
- Provide remote and on-site technical support to operators, customers and field personnel to diagnose and resolve complex system anomalies, equipment failures and mission-impacting outages
- Troubleshoot, maintain and restore operational capability for antenna systems, modems, frequency converters, amplifiers, GPS equipment, servers, network infrastructure and supporting communications hardware
- Participate in root cause investigations nd corrective actions to improve system reliability, maintainability and long-term operational effectiveness.
- Coordinate with engineering, logistics, supply chain, and subcontractor organizations to execute sustainment activities, depot repairs, equipment replacements and obsolescence mitigation efforts
- Support system integration, verification, validation, acceptance testing and certification activities associated with modernization efforts, technology insertions and new capability deployments
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, maintenance procedures, work instructions, trip planning packages, test reports and trip reports supporting field operations and sustainment activities.
- Deliver technical training and knowledge transfer to operators, maintenance personnel and customer support organizations while promoting the best operational practices
- Build strong customer relationships through responsive support, technical expertise and effective communication while ensuring mission success and operational readiness
What you'll need
- 10+ years' experience supporting SATCOM, RF systems, telecommunications infrastructure or related field engineering activities
- Demonstrated experience supporting Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, or other mission-critical ground antenna systems and operational environments
- Proven experience installing, integrating, testing, troubleshooting and sustaining communications systems in operational environments
- Solid understanding of SATCOM systems, RF equipment, antenna systems, networking infrastructure and supporting ground systems
- Experience conducting RF performance testing, system validation and technical troubleshooting using industry-standard test equipment
- Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues while supporting customer-facing operations
- Solid communications skills, both verbal and written
- Associates degree in Engineering, Electronics, Information Technology or equivalent experience
- U.S. Government position. Citizenship required
- Active DoD TS/SCI security clearance
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50%
What will help you on the job
- Hands-on experience performing Organization-Level (O-Level) and Depot-Level (D-Level) maintenance on satellite communications, RF systems, and ground infrastructure.
- Strong background in satellite ground systems, antenna systems, RF communications equipment, and supporting network infrastructure.
- Experience troubleshooting complex hardware, software, RF, and networking issues in operational environments with a focus on rapid restoration of service.
- Knowledge of preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, reliability-centered maintenance, and lifecycle sustainment best practices
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Electronics or Information Technology
Salary range
$98,000.00 - $155,000.00 / annually.
For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $121,500.00- $182,500.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
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.
You will support field service activities, including Organization-Level (O-Level) Maintenance, Depot-Level (D-Level) Maintenance, corrective maintenance actions, preventive maintenance programs, and lifecycle sustainment initiatives that ensure long-term system reliability and operational readiness. Additionally, work closely with customers, operators, engineering organizations, logistics teams and program leadership to diagnose system anomalies, restore mission capability, and execute modernization efforts across geographically dispersed sites while supporting the complete lifecycle of complex SATCOM and RF systems - from installation and acceptance testing - through sustainment, technology refresh, depot repair activities, and operational support.
- Perform maintenance activities supporting the operational readiness, sustainment, and lifecycle management of SATCOM, RF and ground infrastructure
- Execute maintenance and equipment repairs, system upgrades and technical refresh initiatives to maximize system availability and mission performance
- Provide remote and on-site technical support to operators, customers and field personnel to diagnose and resolve complex system anomalies, equipment failures and mission-impacting outages
- Troubleshoot, maintain and restore operational capability for antenna systems, modems, frequency converters, amplifiers, GPS equipment, servers, network infrastructure and supporting communications hardware
- Participate in root cause investigations nd corrective actions to improve system reliability, maintainability and long-term operational effectiveness.
- Coordinate with engineering, logistics, supply chain, and subcontractor organizations to execute sustainment activities, depot repairs, equipment replacements and obsolescence mitigation efforts
- Support system integration, verification, validation, acceptance testing and certification activities associated with modernization efforts, technology insertions and new capability deployments
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, maintenance procedures, work instructions, trip planning packages, test reports and trip reports supporting field operations and sustainment activities.
- Deliver technical training and knowledge transfer to operators, maintenance personnel and customer support organizations while promoting the best operational practices
- Build strong customer relationships through responsive support, technical expertise and effective communication while ensuring mission success and operational readiness
- 10+ years' experience supporting SATCOM, RF systems, telecommunications infrastructure or related field engineering activities
- Demonstrated experience supporting Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, or other mission-critical ground antenna systems and operational environments
- Proven experience installing, integrating, testing, troubleshooting and sustaining communications systems in operational environments
- Solid understanding of SATCOM systems, RF equipment, antenna systems, networking infrastructure and supporting ground systems
- Experience conducting RF performance testing, system validation and technical troubleshooting using industry-standard test equipment
- Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues while supporting customer-facing operations
- Solid communications skills, both verbal and written
- Associates degree in Engineering, Electronics, Information Technology or equivalent experience
- U.S. Government position. Citizenship required
- Active DoD TS/SCI security clearance
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50%