Embedded Software Engineer - Government

Viasat; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 140,500 - 221,500; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is searching for an Embedded Software Engineer to develop robust software for terminals operating on the ViaSat-3 satellite constellation. This role focuses on software design, Agile participation, quality assurance, and hardware integration.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering, a strong background in C/C++ development, and significant experience in Agile methodologies. Additional familiarity with tools like Jira and Jenkins is a plus.

Salary ranges from $140,500 to $221,500 annually, with additional benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of embedded software development experience using C/C++.
• 2+ years experience working in Agile teams.
• Experience with modern software development practices such as CI/CD, TDD, and DevOps.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test software components following Gen-3 architecture principles.
• Participate in scrum meetings and assist with task estimation.
• Create and update Architectural Designs and Interface Control Descriptions.
• Develop automated unit tests with a target of >80% code coverage.
• Perform hands-on integration, testing, and troubleshooting with hardware.

Skills

Embedded software development

C/C++ programming

Agile methodology

Linux systems programming

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering

Tools

Jira

Git/GitHub

Jenkins

Google Test

CodeQL

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 seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to join the Government Terminals Software Team. This role involves developing robust, scalable software for terminals operating on our next-generation high capacity ViaSat-3 satellite constellation, within an Agile environment. You will contribute to high-performance communication solutions

The day-to-day

• Software Development: Design, implement, and test software components following Gen-3 architecture principles, including message-driven IPC communication and domain-driven scope.
• Agile Participation: Participate in scrum meetings, assist with task estimation, and maintain clear status updates in Jira.
• Design & Documentation: Create and update Architectural Designs, Interface Control Descriptions (ICDs), and Statements of Work (SoW) for new features.
• Quality Assurance & Automation: Develop automated unit tests with a target of >80% code coverage and write comprehensive test automation plans to ensure software reliability.
• Hardware Integration: Perform hands‑on integration, testing, and troubleshooting with terminal and antenna hardware in lab environments.
• CI/CD Integration: Utilize Jenkins and GitHub Actions for continuous integration and deployment of software packages.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years of embedded software development experience using C/C++.
• 2+ years experience working in Agile teams.
• Experience with modern software development practices such as CI/CD, TDD and DevOps.

• Technical Stack & Tools

  • Languages: C/C++ (Primary), Rust, and Bash.
  • Operating System: Linux, OpenWRT.
  • Testing Frameworks: Google Test, cMocka.
  • Tools: Jira, Git/GitHub, Jenkins, Artifactory, and CodeQL
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

What will help you on the job

• Linux Systems Programming: Strong experience with multi-threading, memory management, and IP networking on Linux-based systems.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work across cross‑functional teams to resolve complex integration issues.
• Networking & APIs: Experience designing and implementing networking protocols and building REST APIs for system communication.
• AI-Assisted Development: Experience leveraging AI tools and Large Language Models (LLMs) to accelerate software development, code generation, and debugging processes.

Salary range

$140,500.00 – $221,500.00 / 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 $174,000.00 – $261,000.00 / 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.