Senior EGSE & Test Engineer

Viasat; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 82,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat in Tempe, AZ is seeking a Senior AI&T Engineer to lead the unit and payload EGSE for a spaceflight program. You will own the end-to-end EGSE strategy and translate payload requirements into flight-ready checkout systems.

You will guide architecture across development, qualification and flight builds, collaborate with the design team, and mentor a team to implement test equipment and automated procedures. A strong background in space hardware and satellite EGSE is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in STE design for space hardware.
• Experience architecting or leading complex test systems for payloads.
• Strong understanding of communications payload and satellite subsystems.
• Hands-on EGSE integration experience.
• Proven ability to lead technical discussions under pressure.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain EGSE architecture for RF, digital, telemetry, timing and power.
• Translate unit and payload requirements into scalable checkout systems.
• Lead development of hardware, software, harnessing and automation.
• Establish checkout flows from unit -> subsystem -> payload.
• Select/integrate instrumentation; review readiness and certification procedures.
• Support environmental testing and launch operations.
• Lead anomaly investigations and maintain configuration control.

Skills

EGSE architecture

Test system design

Payload knowledge

EGSE integration

Technical leadership

Python automation

C++ / C# automation

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

Python

C++

C#

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

Viasat’s Space Infrastructure Team designs, builds, and operates satellites that deliver global connectivity in demanding environments. Your work within the integration and test team will directly impact payload performance, schedule, and on‑orbit mission success.

This role is for a Senior AI&T (Assembly Integration and Test) Engineer leading our Unit and Payload Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) on one of our spaceflight programs.

• Own the end-to-end EGSE strategy for space-based communications payloads
• Translate unit and payload verification requirements into scalable, flight-ready checkout systems
• Lead EGSE architecture and implementation across development, qualification, and flight builds
• Serve as the technical authority for payload EGSE infrastructure
• Work closely with the product design team to interpret module requirements and turn them into test plans, test equipment, and automated test procedures
• Lead a team to implement all test equipment for a satellite program

The day-to-day

• Architecture & Requirements: Define and maintain EGSE architecture for RF, digital, telemetry, timing, and power; derive EGSE requirements from payload specs/functionality, and create verification plans
• Development & Integration: Lead development of hardware, software, harnessing, interface electronics, and automation; establish checkout flows from unit -> subsystem -> payload
• Operations & Readiness: Select/integrate COTS vs. custom instrumentation; review/approve readiness and certification procedures; support environmental testing and launch ops
• Reliability & Governance: Lead anomaly investigations; maintain configuration control and documentation

What you'll need

• Typically, 5+ years of experience in STE design supporting space-qualified hardware
• Demonstrated experience architecting or leading complex test systems for payload or satellite
• Strong understanding of communications payload and satellite subsystems
• Hands‑on experience with payload or satellite EGSE through integration.
• Proven ability to work cross‑functionally and lead technical discussions under pressure.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience
• U.S. citizenship required

What will help you on the job

• Demonstrated ownership of complex systems from concept through execution
• Experience supporting environmental tests and launch campaigns.
• Experience building and implementing systems to test satellites and RF payloads
• Proficiency in Python, C#, C++, or similar languages for automation
• Familiarity with vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and noise figure measurement systems
• Working knowledge of telemetry architecture and high-speed digital interfaces

Salary range

$82,000.00 - $129,500.00 / 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 $102,000.00- $153,000.00/ 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.