Ground Infrastructure Solutions Architect

Viasat; Carlsbad (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,500 - 285,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Stock incentives

Job summary

Viasat in Carlsbad, CA is seeking a Ground Infrastructure Solutions Architect to define the architecture for its D2D NTN platform. This hybrid position demands strong expertise in LTE/5G systems and NTN integration, while also involving cross-functional leadership across teams.

Successful candidates will drive standard compliance, architecture definition, and contribute significantly to the platform's commercial viability. We offer a competitive salary range of $180,500 to $285,000 annually based on experience.

Qualifications

• Senior individual contributor with proven architectural authority.
• Experience defining E2E KPIs, validation strategies, or field performance criteria.
• Direct involvement in commercial NTN or IoT service launches.

Responsibilities

• Define the end-to-end ground infrastructure architecture for Viasat's D2D NTN platform.
• Architect seamless roaming and service continuity between NTN and terrestrial networks.
• Serve as architectural connective tissue across Product, Engineering, and ecosystem partners.

Skills

Deep expertise in LTE and/or 5G system architecture

Hands-on experience with NTN or satellite-cellular integration

Strong understanding of UE, RAN, and Core interactions

Experience defining architectural requirements across multi-vendor ecosystems

Familiarity with 3GPP standards-based design

Education

Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

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 thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for a Ground Infrastructure Solutions Architect to join our dynamic team in Carlsbad, CA! This is a hybrid, site‑based role that offers the perfect blend of office collaboration and remote flexibility. Employees will work from our Carlsbad office at least 3 days (60%) per week within a standard five‑day workweek, with the remaining days worked remotely.

Viasat is building a next‑generation Direct‑to‑Device (D2D) Non‑Terrestrial Network (NTN) platform that seamlessly integrates satellite and terrestrial cellular networks. We are seeking a Ground Infrastructure Solutions Architect to join our Platform Product Management team and play a central role in defining the end‑to‑end system architecture, feature roadmap, and interfaces that enable seamless mobility and roaming between NTN and TN.

This role sits at the intersection of product strategy, system architecture, and standards‑aligned execution. You will act as a technical authority for ground infrastructure architecture, shaping UE, RAN, and Core Network capabilities while ensuring the platform is commercially viable, interoperable, and deployable at scale.

This role is central to ensuring Viasat's D2D NTN platform delivers a coherent, scalable, and standards‑aligned experience across satellite and terrestrial networks. You will shape how devices attach, roam, and stay connected across NTN and TN‑turning complex system constraints into a platform that works optimally for users, partners, and operators.

The day‑to‑day

Platform Architecture & Roadmap

• Define the end‑to‑end ground infrastructure architecture for Viasat's D2D NTN platform, spanning UE, RAN, Core Network, and interworking functions.
• Own architectural inputs into the platform roadmap, ensuring feature sequencing reflects standards maturity, system constraints, and commercial priorities.
• Translate product goals into clear architectural principles, interfaces, and assumptions across NTN and TN.

NTN‑TN Roaming & Interworking

• Architect seamless roaming and service continuity between NTN and terrestrial networks, including registration, mobility, session management, and fallback strategies.
• Define UE, RAN, and Core features required to support NTN‑TN roaming in alignment with 3GPP Rel‑17/18 NTN specifications.
• Identify gaps or ambiguities in standards and propose deployable, standards‑compliant solutions.

UE, RAN, and Core Feature Definition

• Specify UE requirements related to NTN access, mobility, roaming behavior, and power management.
• Define RAN and Core feature requirements including control‑plane and user‑plane interworking and mobility anchoring.
• Align with chipset vendors, OEMs, and network vendors on feasible implementations.

Cross‑Functional Technical Leadership

• Serve as architectural connective tissue across Product, Engineering, Satellite Operations, and ecosystem partners.
• Provide architectural guidance during design reviews, trade studies, and integration discussions.
• Support lab, field, and commercial readiness through E2E validation strategies and success criteria.

Standards & Industry Engagement

• Leverage 3GPP system architecture expertise to ensure alignment with evolving NTN standards.
• Inform internal architectural decisions with an understanding of standards intent vs. implementation reality.

What you'll need

• Deep expertise in LTE and/or 5G system architecture, including Core Network concepts.
• Hands‑on experience with NTN, satellite‑cellular integration, or Direct‑to‑Device architectures.
• Strong understanding of UE, RAN, and Core interactions, especially mobility and roaming.
• Experience defining architectural requirements across multi‑vendor ecosystems.
• Familiarity with 3GPP system architecture and standards‑based design.
• Senior individual contributor with proven architectural authority.

What will help you on the job

• Experience contributing to or engaging with 3GPP (e.g., SA2).
• Direct involvement in commercial NTN or IoT service launches.
• Background in NB‑IoT NTN, LTE SCS, or NR‑NTN.
• Experience defining E2E KPIs, validation strategies, or field performance criteria.
• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.

Salary range

$180,500.00 – $285,000.00 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 $224,500.00 – $336,500.00 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, colour, 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.