Senior RF Space Systems Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 29, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 9, 2026. Viasat scores A 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 challenging problems daily.
The day-to-day
This position provides an outstanding opportunity to develop innovative technologies. You will work closely with our customers to build multi-function systems from concept to implementation that advance 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 while working closely and collaboratively with other Viasat stakeholders to identify, pursue, capture, and execute high priority opportunities that support our strategic growth goals.
This position is based in Tempe, AZ
What you'll need
- 8+ years’ Systems Engineering experience with a Master’s degree; 12+ years’ experience with a Bachelor’s degree
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams including Business Development, Systems, Software, RF circuits, FPGA design, and others
- Experience in payload and electronics design for space applications with an understanding of reliability 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 including 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
- Experience working with Government customers to develop system level requirements and solutions
- Strong system, software, or test background including design and implementation
- Strong technical leadership
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline. Ph.D or Masters preferred.
- U.S. Citizenship Required.
- Active DoD TS SCI Clearance or ability/willingness to obtain clearance when administratively feasible
- Ability to travel up to 10% domestic travel
What will help you on the job
- 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 our customers to build multi-function systems from concept to implementation that advance 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 while working closely and collaboratively with other Viasat stakeholders to identify, pursue, capture, and execute high priority opportunities that support our strategic growth goals.
This position is based in Tempe, AZ
- 8+ years’ Systems Engineering experience with a Master’s degree; 12+ years’ experience with a Bachelor’s degree
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams including Business Development, Systems, Software, RF circuits, FPGA design, and others
- Experience in payload and electronics design for space applications with an understanding of reliability 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 including 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
- Experience working with Government customers to develop system level requirements and solutions
- Strong system, software, or test background including design and implementation
- Strong technical leadership
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline. Ph.D or Masters preferred.
- U.S. Citizenship Required.
- Active DoD TS SCI Clearance or ability/willingness to obtain clearance when administratively feasible
- Ability to travel up to 10% domestic travel