MMIC Design Engineer

Viasat; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 120,500 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a highly skilled MMIC Design Engineer to design, validate, and optimize RF/microwave ICs for wireless, aerospace, defense, and satellite applications. You will manage the complete design cycle from architecture to lab characterization in a site-based role.

The position requires 3+ years in RF/MMIC design, proficiency with Keysight ADS, Cadence Virtuoso, AWR Microwave Office, HFSS, and CST Microwave Studio, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years RF/MMIC design experience.
• Strong microwave circuit theory and impedance matching.
• Experience with GaAs pHEMT, GaN HEMT, SiGe BiCMOS, RF CMOS.
• Proficiency with listed EDA tools.
• Experience with S-parameter analysis and load-pull techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design RF/microwave/mmWave ICs including LNAs, PAs, mixers.
• Develop MMIC using GaAs, GaN, SiGe, CMOS.
• Perform circuit and EM simulations and layout reviews.
• Support wafer fabrication and tape-out.
• Develop RF test plans and characterize with analyzers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance.
• Prepare technical documentation and design reviews.

Skills

RF/MMIC design

Microwave theory

S-parameter analysis

Load-pull

Harmonic balance

Noise analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Keysight ADS

Cadence Virtuoso

AWR Microwave Office

HFSS

CST Microwave Studio

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 a highly motivated MMIC Design Engineer to design, develop, and validate high-performance RF and microwave integrated circuits for wireless communications, aerospace, defense, satellite, and radar applications. The successful candidate will be responsible for the complete MMIC design cycle, from architecture definition and circuit design through layout, EM simulation, fabrication support, and laboratory characterization.

This is a site‑based role; employees work 3+ days (60 %) per week from a Viasat office or location within a standard five‑day workweek.

The day‑to‑day

• Design RF/microwave/mmWave integrated circuits including:
  • Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs)
  • Power Amplifiers (PAs)
  • Mixers
  • Oscillators and Frequency Synthesizers
  • Switches
  • Variable Gain Amplifiers (VGAs)
  • Driver Amplifiers
  • Phase Shifters and Attenuators
• Develop MMIC solutions using GaAs, GaN, SiGe, CMOS, or other semiconductor technologies.
• Perform circuit simulation and optimization using industry-standard EDA tools.
• Conduct electromagnetic (EM) simulations and analyze parasitic effects.
• Create and review MMIC layouts while ensuring compliance with foundry design rules.
• Support wafer fabrication, process integration, and tape‑out activities.
• Develop test plans and perform RF characterization using network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, load‑pull systems, and probe stations.
• Analyze measurement data and correlate results with simulations.
• Collaborate with system, packaging, product, and manufacturing engineers to optimize performance and manufacturability.
• Generate technical documentation, design reviews, and customer presentations.

Support product qualification, reliability testing, and production transfer activities.

What you'll need

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Microwave Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in RF/MMIC design (experience level may vary based on role).
• Strong understanding of microwave circuit theory, transmission lines, impedance matching, and RF system concepts.
• Experience with MMIC technologies such as:
  • GaAs pHEMT
  • GaN HEMT
  • SiGe BiCMOS
  • RF CMOS
• Proficiency with EDA tools such as:
  • Keysight ADS
  • Cadence Virtuoso
  • AWR Microwave Office
  • HFSS
  • CST Microwave Studio
• Experience with S‑parameter analysis, load‑pull techniques, harmonic balance simulation, and noise analysis.

What will help you on the job

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant technical field.
• Experience designing circuits operating from microwave through millimeter‑wave frequencies (10 GHz‑110 GHz+).
• Knowledge of radar, satellite communications, 5G/6G, aerospace, or defense systems.
• Familiarity with advanced packaging technologies and RF module integration.
• Experience with automated test development using Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW.
• RF/Microwave Circuit Design
• MMIC Layout and Verification
• Electromagnetic Simulation
• Device Modeling and Characterization
• Signal Integrity Analysis
• Design‑for‑Manufacturing (DFM)
• Statistical Yield Analysis
• RF Test and Measurement
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in cross‑functional teams.
• Strong project ownership and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple design activities in a fast‑paced environment.

Salary range

$120,500.00 – $190,000.00 per year. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range is $149,500.00 – $224,500.00 per year.

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, 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 online application, please click here.