Principal Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft Systems Leader

ViaSat Inc.; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 181,000 - 285,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, qualification, and production transition of complex satellite hardware for next‑generation platforms. You will guide cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain, providing strategic direction and mentoring engineers.

You will own mechanical subsystems from concept through qualification and on‑orbit support, directing analyses, testing, and critical design reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of mechanical engineering experience in spaceflight hardware development.
• Proven leadership for major mechanical subsystems on spacecraft, satellites, or launch vehicles.
• Expertise in structural, thermal, dynamic, and environmental requirements for space applications.
• Proficient CAD skills in Creo, SolidWorks, or NX.
• Experience with analysis tools (ANSYS, Nastran, Simcenter, Thermal Desktop).
• Experience with environmental qualification testing (vibration, TVAC, thermal cycling).
• Able to lead root-cause investigations and drive problem resolution.
• Excellent communication skills with executive audiences.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for satellite structures, mechanisms, electronics packaging, and deployable systems.
• Lead trade studies and establish engineering solutions balancing performance, schedule, cost, and risk.
• Own mechanical subsystems from concept through qualification, high-rate production, and launch support.
• Oversee structural, thermal, vibration, shock, and environmental analyses for flight hardware.
• Define engineering requirements, standards, and qualification strategies across programs.
• Lead hardware development, integration, testing, and anomaly resolution.
• Lead design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) with program leadership.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Aerospace engineering

Creo

SolidWorks

NX

ANSYS

Nastran

Leadership

Communication

US Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's or Doctorate (preferred)

Tools

Teamcenter

Windchill

Job description

Viasat is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, qualification, and production transition of complex satellite hardware for next‑generation platforms. You will guide cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain, providing strategic direction and mentoring engineers.

You will own mechanical subsystems from concept through qualification and on‑orbit support, directing analyses, testing, and critical design reviews.