RF Engineer, Frequency Synthesis

Viasat; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 141,500 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat in Carlsbad is searching for an experienced RF Engineer specializing in frequency synthesis. The role involves designing PLLs, VCOs, and low phase-noise oscillators, ensuring compliance with performance standards.

Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and over 8 years of RF engineering experience. This position offers a comprehensive salary range starting at $141,500 and may vary based on experience and skills.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of RF engineering experience supporting frequency synthesis hardware.
• Strong experience with clocking systems, frequency generation, and signal integrity.
• Ability to work independently on defined technical problems with minimal instruction.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop frequency synthesis architectures, including PLLs and VCOs.
• Perform RF analysis, simulation, and validation for performance compliance.
• Lead schematic capture and design implementation for frequency generation circuits.

Skills

PLL design

VCO design

Reference oscillator selection/integration

RF performance analysis

Education

Bachelor's 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 seeking an experienced RF Engineer with deep expertise in frequency synthesis to contribute to D2D and future payload architectures. This role delivers hands‑on engineering in PLL design, VCO development, and low phase‑noise reference oscillator systems, including vendor oversight and clock distribution. The position operates with limited supervision on defined RF programs and applies strong technical judgment to ensure design, integration, and performance success.

The day‑to‑day

• Design and develop frequency synthesis architectures, including PLLs, VCOs, and low phase‑noise reference oscillator subsystems
• Perform RF analysis, simulation, and validation to ensure compliance with performance requirements, including phase noise, jitter, and spectral purity
• Lead schematic capture and design implementation for frequency generation and clock distribution circuits
• Define and optimize clock distribution networks for low jitter and minimal coupling across RF subsystems
• Provide technical oversight of oscillator vendors, including specification definition, performance evaluation, and qualification
• Support integration of RF hardware with reference oscillator systems and spacecraft subsystems
• Contribute to RF architecture trade studies, particularly around frequency planning, LO generation, and phase‑noise optimization
• Interface with suppliers and manufacturing partners to support RF hardware production, validation, and component selection
• Participate in RF design reviews, test readiness reviews, and anomaly resolution efforts
• Identify RF performance risks (e.g., phase noise, spurs, coupling) and develop mitigation strategies

What you’ll need

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent professional experience
• 8+ years of RF engineering experience supporting frequency synthesis hardware
• Demonstrated expertise in PLL design, VCO design, and reference oscillator selection/integration
• Strong experience with clocking systems, frequency generation, and signal integrity
• Experience working with vendors and manufacturing partners, including oscillator suppliers
• Ability to work independently on defined technical problems with minimal instruction

What will help you on the job

• Experience supporting spacecraft or payload RF frequency generation systems
• Familiarity with reference oscillator integration and production environments
• Deep understanding of phase noise, jitter, and frequency stability analysis
• Strong analytical skills and disciplined documentation practices
• Clear communication of complex RF and frequency synthesis topics to cross-disciplinary teams

Salary range

$141,500.00 - $224,000.00 / 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 $176,000.00- $264,000.00/ 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.