Communications Systems Engineer

Viasat; Germantown, Independence, Carlsbad (MD, OH, CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 149,500; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Germantown, Maryland, is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer. In this role, you will develop next-generation satellite systems and contribute to the end-to-end architecture. The ideal candidate has expertise in communications systems and related engineering fields, along with a BA/BS degree or equivalent experience. Candidates should possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Salary ranges from $95,000 to $149,500 annually, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Expertise in coding theory, estimation theory, control theory, and modern system architecture.
• Ability to conceptualize and develop sophisticated communications systems.
• Proven track record of performing analysis and applying project management techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop, simulate, analyze, and test wireless satellite communications systems.
• Maintain RF or optical link budgets and estimate system capacity.
• Document requirements and participate in software/hardware reviews.

Skills

Expertise in communications systems

Control theory

Signal processing

Technical review presentation skills

Education

BA/BS in engineering or equivalent experience

Advanced degree or proven experience

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Jama

Jira

Job description

About us

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

We are looking for a Communications Systems Engineer to join our Engineering team! As a Communications Systems Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in developing next generation satellite systems for GEO and NGSO satellite constellations and ground systems. This position entails actively contributing to the development of systems including end-to-end architecture, analysis, simulation, and verification of both standards-based and customized communication systems. You will be a part of a group who is responsible for the performance of our current and future systems. The position centers on wireless physical layer and MAC (media access control) layer but knowledge of higher layers is a plus.

The day-to-day

• Work within a focused team to propose, develop, simulate, analyze, and test various systems and subsystems used for wireless satellite communications systems.
• Support and react to industry standardization activities such as 3GPP as needed.
• Create and maintain RF or optical link budgets and estimate overall link and system capacity.
• Develop and analyze specification and requirements.
• Work autonomously and collaboratively within a dynamic, fast-paced environment, where quick turnarounds are essential to team success.
• Documentation responsibilities encompass managing requirements using Jama, fulfilling tasks documented in Jira, and preparing and reviewing design documents.
• Participate in peer reviews of software, hardware, and architecture.

What you'll need

• BA/BS in an engineering field or equivalent experience. Advanced degree and/or proven experience preferred.
• Expertise in communications systems, coding theory, estimation theory, control theory, signal processing, and modern system architecture
• Ability to conceptualize, invent, develop, implement, and test sophisticated communications systems.
• Proven track record of interacting with interdisciplinary technical teams across multiple projects, performing analysis, making trade‑off decisions, and applying formal project management techniques.
• Written and verbal communication skills, including technical review presentation skills.
• Ability to work autonomously with minimal instruction, balanced with the ability to seek assistance when needed.
• US citizenship or right to work in USA preferred.
• Up to 10% travel is required.

What will help you on the job

• Expertise with MATLAB or python data analysis and simulation frameworks
• Knowledge of analog and RF hardware designs, higher layer protocols, and AI/ML (artificial intelligence/machine learning)
• Experience with Jama and Jira

Salary range

$95,000.00 - $149,500.00 / 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 $117,500.00- $176,500.00/ annually.

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.