Senior Hardware Design Engineer - Space

Viasat; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 155,500 - 246,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a Senior Hardware Design Engineer based in Tempe, Arizona. This role involves leading complex digital designs, coordinating hardware and software integration, and acting as the primary technical interface with external subcontractors.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, extensive experience in FPGA design, and the ability to manage cross-functional engineering teams. A salary range of $155,500 to $246,000 annually is offered, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience designing space-grade or high-reliability digital hardware.
• 15+ years of experience in digital module design.
• Hands-on experience with Xilinx and Microchip FPGA families.

Responsibilities

• Lead hardware and embedded software technical efforts.
• Drive system-level architectural decisions.
• Mentor and technically guide junior engineers.

Skills

Experience leading complex digital hardware designs

Ability to lead cross-functional teams

Proficiency using lab equipment

Strong troubleshooting skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (MSEE)

Tools

Xilinx FPGA tools

Microchip FPGA tools

Logic analyzers

Oscilloscopes

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

As a Senior Hardware Design Engineer, you bring deep expertise in digital processing systems, programmable logic (FPGA), and embedded software integration. You are motivated by solving complex architectural challenges and leading technically demanding efforts in space‑based and mission‑critical communication systems.

You will serve as the lead engineer, owning the end‑to‑end coordination of hardware, programmable logic, and software integration while acting as the primary technical interface to external payload hardware subcontractors. In this role, you will help to shape digital architectures and guide development from early concept through integration, verification, and delivery.

The day-to-day

You will be responsible for leading and directly contributing to the technical execution of complex digital designs. In this role, you will:

• Lead hardware, programmable logic, and embedded software technical efforts across internal teams and external subcontractors
• Serve as the responsible engineer and technical focal point for subcontracted hardware, reviewing and challenging designs, analyses, and deliverables
• Drive system‑level architectural decisions involving digital signal processing, FPGA partitioning, and HW/SW interfaces
• Coordinate programmable logic (FPGA), DSP, and embedded software development to ensure robust integration and performance
• Define and manage hardware, PL, and software interfaces and verification strategies
• Support proposal development, BOEs, and technical customer engagements related to digital payload architectures
• Deliver high‑quality technical briefings at design reviews (PDR, CDR) and internal milestone reviews
• Support payload integration and test activities by ensuring testability, diagnostics, and integration readiness
• Advocate for sound engineering practices, disciplined design methodologies, and risk reduction
• Mentor and technically guide junior and mid‑level engineers across hardware and firmware disciplines

What you'll need

• Experience leading complex digital hardware designs involving programmable logic (FPGA) and embedded systems
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams spanning hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software
• Proficiency using lab equipment such as logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, DMMs, and power supplies
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
• U.S. citizenship required (U.S. government position)
• Ability to travel up to 10%

What will help you on the job

• Experience designing space‑grade or high‑reliability (Hi‑Rel) digital hardware and payload systems
• 15+ years of experience in digital module design, programmable logic, DSP, and embedded systems. Hands‑on experience with Xilinx and Microchip (Actel) RTAX / RTSX / ProASIC FPGA families
• Experience with channelizers, digital communication payloads, or signal processing architectures
• Experience integrating subcontracted hardware into larger system architectures
• Proficiency with FPGA and simulation toolchains (Xilinx / Microchip tools, Synplify, ModelSim, etc.)
• Strong troubleshooting, debug, and root‑cause analysis skills across HW/SW boundaries
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering (MSEE)
• Ability to obtain Active Secret Clearance or higher

Salary range

$155,500.00 - $246,000.00 / 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 $193,500.00 - $290,500.00 / 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 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 online application, please click here.