Senior Staff Systems Engineer - RAN

Viasat, Inc.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat in the United Kingdom seeks a Senior Systems Engineer to lead the design, integration and deployment of next generation 5G NTN ground segment solutions across Moonlight, LEO D2D, GX and ABBP programs.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, develop system requirements, model performance, and drive hands-on testing to ensure responsible handover to operations. Travel may be required to support integration activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in a technical field plus knowledge of satellite communications.
• Experience with satellite networks and 5G NTN technologies is essential.
• Strong analytical and system-design capabilities required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and integration of Access Network subsystems for satellite programs.
• Develop feature specifications and test plans to optimize satellite fleet usage.
• Coordinate with multiple programs and ensure timely handover to operations.
• Create and maintain technical documentation for engineering work.

Skills

Radio Access Network

Satellite propagation models

Modulation & Coding

VSAT systems

Education

First Degree in Electronic Engineering

Job description

About us

At Viasat, the work you do helps people stay connected in ways that matter, from everyday moments to critical missions across air, land, sea, and space.

We’re a place for people who are curious, bold, and motivated by meaningful work. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make an impact, explore new possibilities, and grow your career in ways that align with your interests and goals. When you’re ready to take on something new, you’ll find leaders who support your development and help you turn your ambition into action.

What you'll do

Viasat is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to join the Access Networks team of Engineering subject matter experts (SMEs). This role will initially involve supporting the design, integration and deployment of the next generation LEO Device to Device Ground Segment mission and Moonlight program, supporting new feature designs and service initiations for Viasat’s existing missions including our GX10 (Arctic) mission and GX7, 8 and 9 satellites, as well as future Viasat missions. The successful candidate will play a lead senior systems engineering role in activities including:

• System requirement analysis, design and development, with ownership of current and future AN subsystems with focus on projects investing in 5G NTN solutions
• Lead deployment of Access Network subsystems
• Develop Access Network feature specifications to support projects optimising usage and utility of our current and future satellite fleet
• Managing AN integration processes across Programs (e.g. Moonlight, LEO D2D, GX, ABBP, leases, national GWs, etc.)
• Support service introduction, and hand-off to operations.
• Support creation and deployment of 5G NTN test/lab infrastructure
• Simulation and modelling activities in support of new system requirement definition
• Program and budget Management by working closely with BizOp lead and Project/Product management team.

The successful applicant must be self-motivated and be capable of completing complex tasks with minimum supervision and have the confidence and ability to promote improvements and introduce new technologies.

The role will require co-ordination with a wide range of other project teams both within and external to Viasat. The successful candidate will be required to represent Viasat as the technical expert in meetings and must be capable of dealing confidently with experts in similar and different disciplines. The role may require regular travel to support system integration activities.

The day-to-day

• From the high-level architecture produced within Engineering, for post Gate 2 programs on the development/procurement of the Access Network and interfacing to associated subsystems, ensuring specifications are consistent with overall architectural needs
• Experience with 5G NTN AN system engineering knowledge to work on complex issues that impact the success of critical projects, valuable relationships and key business processes.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of industry trends and developments regarding the “state of the art” in 5G NR NTN systems and use this knowledge to influence Viasat’s procurement/development strategy for future ground segment programmes, maximising performance vs cost
• Design, implement and validate 5G NR NTN L2/L3 features in line with 3GPP specifications
• Lead simulation/modelling activities that will determine the risks/benefits of the various candidate solutions, collaborating with peer groups in Systems Architecture and Networks Engineering
• Develop test tools, simulations as appropriate in support of test campaigns and performance evaluation exercises.
• Development of systems and test campaigns, helping to ensure new nodes have been tested sufficiently before being released to site.
• Access Network System Engineering to align and maximize, the current and future, Viasat generation of networks.
• Create and maintain technical documentation to ensure efficient planning and execution
• Support of Viasat business needs and large satellite programmes, driving solutions in a timely manner when problems arise.
• Develop requirements for future enhancement of Viasat radio resource management functions, ensuring efficient utilisation of our space segment
• Work closely with other members of the company (within Engineering as well as Global Operations and Business Units) in programme planning and management to ensure successful handover of new systems into commercial service
• Validate and characterise aspects of system behaviour and performance
• Developing low level systems engineering knowledge of entire Viasat end to end network from a radio resource management perspective and providing knowledge transfer where applicable
• Working with internal stakeholders to define and design new services and features to improve performance or meet new service requirements

What you'll need

• • First Degree or equivalent in Electronic Engineering, Satellite Communications, Telecommunications, Computing Science or related technical discipline
  • Detailed knowledge of key technology areas
    • Radio Access Network
    • Satellite propagation models
    • Modulation and Coding
    • Mobile satellite and VSAT systems

What will help you on the job

• • Inmarsat GX/ BGAN satellite system design and protocols
  • Viasat SurfBeam, ABBP, Mach3 satellite system design and protocols
  • Knowledge of terrestrial mobile network design and operation
  • Resource management systems
  • Ka, L, Q/V band antenna technology and RF systems
• • Data analysis skills

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.