RF Design Engineer

Viasat; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking an RF Design Engineer to support the design, analysis, integration, and test of microwave and millimeter-wave RF hardware for satellite payloads. You will contribute from concept through production while collaborating with systems, MMIC, digital, mechanical, and test teams.

This site-based role requires 60%+ in-office work, across a standard five-day week, with opportunities to advance RF architectures and test methodologies in a dynamic aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including S-parameters, impedance matching, transmission lines, gain, noise figure, and linearity.
• Experience with microwave components such as amplifiers, mixers, filters, couplers, oscillators, synthesizers, switches, and attenuators.

Responsibilities

• Support microwave and millimeter-wave RF design activities for satellite payload transceiver, frequency conversion, and signal distribution hardware.
• Perform RF analysis including gain, noise figure, linearity, compression, phase noise, spur, and link budget evaluations.
• Assist with architecture trade studies, gain lineups, frequency plans, and component selection.
• Develop schematics and guide RF PCB layout using controlled impedance, grounding, isolation, and thermal management best practices.
• Perform laboratory characterization using vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and oscilloscopes.
• Support RF integration, troubleshooting, anomaly resolution, and environmental qualification testing.

Skills

RF fundamentals

S-parameters

Impedance matching

RF testing

Millimeter-wave

Circuit analysis

Gain & Noise figure

RF PCB design guidance

Power meters & spectrum analyzers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Keysight ADS

AWR Microwave Office

HFSS

CST

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 RF Design Engineer to support the design, analysis, integration, and test of microwave and millimeter-wave RF hardware used in advanced satellite communication payloads. The successful candidate will contribute to RF module, unit, and subsystem development from concept through qualification and production while working closely with systems, MMIC, digital, mechanical, manufacturing, and test engineering teams.

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

The day-to-day

• Support microwave and millimeter-wave RF design activities for satellite payload transceiver, frequency conversion, and signal distribution hardware.
• Perform RF analysis including gain, noise figure, linearity, compression, phase noise, spur, and link budget evaluations.
• Assist with architecture trade studies, gain lineups, frequency plans, and component selection.
• Develop schematics and guide RF PCB layout using controlled impedance, grounding, isolation, and thermal management best practices.
• Perform laboratory characterization using vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and oscilloscopes.
• Support RF integration, troubleshooting, anomaly resolution, and environmental qualification testing.
• Work with EM simulation and RF modeling tools to predict and optimize performance.
• Document designs, test results, risks, and recommendations and present findings at technical reviews.

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 0-3 years of experience in RF, microwave, communications, aerospace, defense, or related hardware development.
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including S-parameters, impedance matching, transmission lines, gain, noise figure, and linearity.
• Knowledge of microwave components such as amplifiers, mixers, filters, couplers, oscillators, synthesizers, switches, and attenuators.
• Experience with RF test equipment and measurement techniques.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• RF/Microwave Circuit Analysis
• Millimeter-Wave Design Fundamentals
• RF Test and Measurement
• EM Simulation
• RF PCB Design and Layout Guidance
• Data Analysis and Test Automation

What will help you on the job

• Experience with satellite communications, aerospace systems, phased arrays, radar, or wireless communication products.
• Experience with Keysight ADS, AWR Microwave Office, HFSS, CST, or similar RF design and EM simulation tools.
• Familiarity with millimeter-wave design techniques above 20 GHz.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for test automation and data analysis.
• Understanding of reliability, manufacturability, and spaceflight hardware development processes.
• Knowledge of digital communications concepts including modulation, EVM, and adjacent-channel performance.
• Collaborative team player
• Strong technical curiosity and learning agility
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Attention to detail and ownership mindset

Salary range

$95,000.00 - $149,500.00 / 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 $117,500.00- $176,500.00/ 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, 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.