RF Payload Systems Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 1, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 30, 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
The Strategic Space Systems (S3) team at Viasat in Tempe, Arizona is responsible for development of full lifecycle space programs with varying scope, from chip scale to full-on space missions. Our programs provide key capabilities for the US government as well as commercial end-users.
Programs in the business area are far-reaching and impactful - enabling the US and the world in commercial and defense applications like resilient space communications and networking, remote sensing, and much more. The S3 team is primarily composed of a small group of highly skilled cross-domain engineers who take on meaningful problems daily.
The day-to-day
This position provides an outstanding opportunity to develop innovative technologies. You will work closely with customers to build multi-function systems from concept to implementation. These systems support our nation's most critical defense programs. This includes requirements development, architecture design, integration, and implementation of hardware.
In this exciting and dynamic role, you will report into the S3 organization and work collaboratively with other Viasat partners. Together, you will identify, pursue, capture, and complete high priority opportunities that support our strategic growth goals.
This position is based in Tempe, AZ
What you'll need
- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or related discipline
- 8+ years' experience as an RF/Systems Engineer, including hands-on design, troubleshooting, integration, and test of RF hardware at the PWA, module, unit, and system level
- Demonstrated experience taking RF hardware from design through fabrication, assembly, integration, and verification (bring-up, debug, ATP/qualification testing)
- Experience with RF payload integration and test campaigns (unit-level through spacecraft/system-level I&T)
- Bench-level RF test experience using network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and noise figure/power meters to isolate and resolve hardware issues
- Working knowledge of RF circuit-level design and construction (amplifiers, filters, mixers, switches, interconnects) sufficient to understand how module/unit-level hardware choices drive system performance, cost, and schedule trades
- Experience diagnosing and root-causing RF hardware failures (e.g., via failure analysis, root cause corrective action processes)
- Familiarity with space-qualified RF hardware build standards
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams including Business Development, Systems, Software, RF circuit design, FPGA/digital design, mechanical, and manufacturing/production
- Experience in payload and electronics design for space applications, including reliability, parts/materials/processes (EEE parts), and EMI/EMC requirements for space-based systems
- Strong analytic/mathematics background with experience in system modeling, simulation, and analysis, including power and communication link budgets
- Strong understanding of systems engineering analysis: requirements definition and flow-down, interface definitions, system test design and execution, and risk identification, tracking, and burn-down
- Proficiency using RF and systems design engineering tools including MATLAB, ADS, HFSS, and Genesys
- Ability to serve as the technical RF interface to customers, translating RF hardware capability, constraints, and test results into system-level solutions and trade discussions
- Experience working directly with Government customers to develop system-level requirements and solutions
- Strong technical leadership, including mentoring engineers on hardware integration and test practices
What will help you on the job
- Masters Degree preferred but not required
- Understanding of model-based system engineering techniques including proficiency using MBSE software such as Cameo
- Experience with satellite missions operations including launch, in-orbit testing, and anomaly resolution
- Experience with key mission design and analysis tools such as STK
- Experience taking a product from concept phase through prototyping, launch, and operation
- Demonstrated leadership of space systems engineering teams
- The ability to lead trade studies and architect innovative solutions to difficult technical problems
Salary range
$141,500.00 - $224,000.00 / 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 $176,000.00- $264,000.00/ 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.
This position provides an outstanding opportunity to develop innovative technologies. You will work closely with customers to build multi-function systems from concept to implementation. These systems support our nation's most critical defense programs. This includes requirements development, architecture design, integration, and implementation of hardware.
In this exciting and dynamic role, you will report into the S3 organization and work collaboratively with other Viasat partners. Together, you will identify, pursue, capture, and complete high priority opportunities that support our strategic growth goals.
This position is based in Tempe, AZ
- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or related discipline
- 8+ years' experience as an RF/Systems Engineer, including hands-on design, troubleshooting, integration, and test of RF hardware at the PWA, module, unit, and system level
- Demonstrated experience taking RF hardware from design through fabrication, assembly, integration, and verification (bring-up, debug, ATP/qualification testing)
- Experience with RF payload integration and test campaigns (unit-level through spacecraft/system-level I&T)
- Bench-level RF test experience using network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and noise figure/power meters to isolate and resolve hardware issues
- Working knowledge of RF circuit-level design and construction (amplifiers, filters, mixers, switches, interconnects) sufficient to understand how module/unit-level hardware choices drive system performance, cost, and schedule trades
- Experience diagnosing and root-causing RF hardware failures (e.g., via failure analysis, root cause corrective action processes)
- Familiarity with space-qualified RF hardware build standards
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams including Business Development, Systems, Software, RF circuit design, FPGA/digital design, mechanical, and manufacturing/production
- Experience in payload and electronics design for space applications, including reliability, parts/materials/processes (EEE parts), and EMI/EMC requirements for space-based systems
- Strong analytic/mathematics background with experience in system modeling, simulation, and analysis, including power and communication link budgets
- Strong understanding of systems engineering analysis: requirements definition and flow-down, interface definitions, system test design and execution, and risk identification, tracking, and burn-down
- Proficiency using RF and systems design engineering tools including MATLAB, ADS, HFSS, and Genesys
- Ability to serve as the technical RF interface to customers, translating RF hardware capability, constraints, and test results into system-level solutions and trade discussions
- Experience working directly with Government customers to develop system-level requirements and solutions
- Strong technical leadership, including mentoring engineers on hardware integration and test practices