RF Engineer, Transceiver Design

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

Job summary

Viasat is seeking an experienced RF Engineer to contribute to gateway transceiver systems and integrated phased array RF assemblies. You will perform design, analysis, and hardware development across Ka-band frequency conversion, PWB layout, and integration with phased array antennas.

The role demands hands-on lab work, vendor coordination, and readiness to obtain a US security clearance, with opportunities to influence RF architecture, performance, and test readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of RF engineering experience supporting millimeter-wave or transceiver hardware development.
• Expertise in up-converter/down-converter design and active component specification (PAs and LNAs).
• Experience with phased array architectures, corporate feed networks, and high-frequency PWB integration.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a United States Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design Ka-band frequency conversion architectures (up/down-converters) for spectral purity.
• Perform RF analysis, simulation, and validation with ADS, HFSS, or Genesys.
• Lead schematic capture and layout for RF assembly on a single PWB.
• Define and optimize RF distribution networks for the phased array.
• Generate specifications for external components (PAs/LNAs).
• Support integration and calibration with phased array antennas.
• Contribute to RF architecture trade studies (frequency planning, filters).
• Interface with PWB fabrication and assembly partners for tolerances.
• Participate in RF design reviews and lab characterization.
• Identify RF risks and mitigation strategies.

Skills

RF engineering

Transceiver design

Phased array

Beamforming

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ADS

HFSS

Genesys

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 to contribute to gateway transceiver systems and integrated phased array RF assemblies. This role delivers hands‑on engineering across frequency conversion design, component sourcing, and single‑PWB distribution networks. The position operates with limited supervision to ensure layout, integration, and performance success.

The day‑to‑day

• Design and develop Ka-band frequency conversion architectures, including up‑converter and down‑converter assemblies, maximizing spectral purity and signal integrity.

• Perform RF analysis, simulation, and validation (using tools like ADS, HFSS, or Genesys) to ensure compliance with system‑level gain, noise figure, linearity, and spur requirements.

• Lead schematic capture and layout implementation for the integrated RF assembly on a single Printed Wiring Board (PWB), optimizing high‑frequency routing and decoupling networks.

• Define and optimize the RF distribution network for the phased array, managing complex splitting/combining networks and front‑end/back‑end driver stages.

• Generate technical specifications for external components, including the procurement and qualification of Power Amplifiers (PAs) and the integration of internal Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs).

• Support the integration and calibration of the Ka‑band transceiver with the phased array antenna elements to enable full testbed functionality.

• Contribute to RF architecture trade studies, particularly regarding frequency planning, filter placement, thermal management, and PWB material selection for millimeter‑wave frequencies.

• Interface with PWB fabrication and assembly partners to ensure strict adherence to manufacturing tolerances, layer stack‑up requirements, and component placement guidelines.

• Participate in RF design reviews, test readiness reviews, and lab characterization using vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.

• Identify RF performance risks (e.g., cross‑talk, substrate losses, element‑to‑element coupling, parasitic oscillations) and develop robust mitigation strategies.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent professional experience

• 5+ years of RF engineering experience supporting millimeter‑wave or transceiver hardware development

• Demonstrated expertise in up‑converter/down‑converter design and active component specification (PAs and LNAs)

• Experience with phased array architectures, corporate feed networks, and high‑frequency PWB integration

• Ability to work independently on defined technical problems with minimal instruction
• Experience working with vendors and manufacturing partners, including PCB fabricators and component suppliers
• Ability to obtain and maintain a United States Security Clearance

What will help you on the job

• Experience supporting phased array antenna testbeds or millimeter‑wave hardware integration

• Familiarity with transceiver up‑converter/down‑converter integration and lab characterization environments

• Deep understanding of beamforming networks, gain/noise figure budgets, and PWB parasitic analysis

• Strong analytical skills and disciplined documentation practices

• Clear communication of complex RF, transceiver, and phased array topics to cross‑disciplinary teams

Salary range

$120,500.00 - $190,000.00 / 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 $149,500.00- $224,500.00/ 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.