Optical Systems Test Engineer – Automation & Validation

ViaSat Inc.; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

ViaSat Inc. is seeking a Systems Test Engineer - Optical Systems to develop comprehensive test strategies for optical communication systems and to lead test planning, automation, and performance characterization across multiple programs.

You will collaborate with systems and design engineers to ensure testability is built into product designs and verification approaches. The role requires leading automated test solutions, troubleshooting complex hardware and software, and mentoring junior staff

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• 7+ years designing, developing, integrating, and testing complex hardware systems.
• Experience developing automated test solutions using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, C#, or similar languages.
• Experience with optical laboratory instrumentation such as OSA, optical power meters, BER test sets, high-speed oscilloscopes, attenuators, network analyzers, signal generators.

Responsibilities

• Define verification and validation strategies for optical systems and hardware.
• Develop system-level test plans, procedures, validation methods, and verification matrices.
• Design and implement optical, electrical, RF, and system-level test architectures and calibration methods.
• Develop automated test solutions using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or C#.
• Lead test planning, performance characterization, and troubleshooting across programs.
• Generate test reports, documentation, and design review materials.
• Mentor junior engineers in test methodologies and automation.

Skills

Test strategy development

Systems engineering collaboration

Troubleshooting complex systems

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

C#

Job description

ViaSat Inc. is seeking a Systems Test Engineer - Optical Systems to develop comprehensive test strategies for optical communication systems and to lead test planning, automation, and performance characterization across multiple programs.

You will collaborate with systems and design engineers to ensure testability is built into product designs and verification approaches. The role requires leading automated test solutions, troubleshooting complex hardware and software, and mentoring junior staff