Digital RF Systems Architect

Viasat; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 120,500 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat in Carlsbad is seeking a Systems Engineer focused on digital architectures for complex communication systems. This role involves developing requirements and collaborations with ASIC, FPGA, and software teams.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of systems engineering experience, a Bachelor's degree in a related field, and is proficient in MATLAB and Python. Strong communication skills to convey complex concepts are essential for success.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of systems engineering or related digital systems experience.
• Experience with requirements management and decomposition.
• Understanding of digital system concepts across hardware, firmware, and software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage system and subsystem requirements.
• Perform requirements decomposition and allocation.
• Conduct system analysis using MATLAB and/or Python.

Skills

Systems engineering

MATLAB

Python

Requirements management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Version control systems (Git)

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

You will serve as a systems engineer with a focus on digital architectures supporting sophisticated space and ground communication and sensing systems. In this role, you will bridge system requirements with detailed digital implementations, working closely with ASIC, FPGA (hardware/firmware), and software teams to ensure coherent, verifiable end‑to‑end digital software‑defined solutions.

You will help define how control, data, and functional behavior flow through complex digital systems, translating mission needs into well‑structured, implementable architectures.

The day‑to‑day

• Develop and manage system and subsystem requirements with a focus on digital architectures


• Perform requirements decomposition and allocation to ASIC, FPGA hardware/firmware, and software teams


• Conduct system analysis using MATLAB and/or Python to support architectural decisions


• Support verification and validation of system and digital requirements


• Work across space and ground applications, including communications and sensing payloads


• Support architectures for hybrid and all‑digital arrays


• Develop clear diagrams and technical artifacts communicating control flow, data flow, and functional behavior


• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including systems, RF, digital design, firmware, and software


• Participate in design reviews, trade studies, and technical interchange meetings

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience


• 5+ years of systems engineering or related digital systems experience


• Experience with requirements management and requirements decomposition/allocation


• Analytical experience using MATLAB and/or Python


• Understanding of digital system concepts across hardware, firmware, and software boundaries


• Ability to clearly communicate sophisticated concepts through diagrams and documentation


• US Citizenship Required


• Ability to travel up to 10%


• #LI-SA1

What will help you on the job

• Basic understanding of beam‑forming, channelization, digital transceivers, and antenna operations


• Active Secret clearance or ability/willingness to acquire clearance


• Experience with model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) and tools such as Cameo


• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git


• Experience with time alignment and synchronization of digital arrays


• Exposure to RF payloads, digital beam‑forming, or mixed‑signal system architectures

Salary range

$120,500.00 - $190,000.00 / 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 $149,500.00- $224,500.00/ 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.