Senior MGSE Engineer - Space Launch Hardware Leader

Viasat; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 121,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat in Tempe, AZ, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer, MGSE to help design, develop, and integrate Mechanical Ground Support Equipment for next-generation satellite programs. You will lead mechanical design, conduct analyses, and coordinate with systems, thermal, electrical, and manufacturing teams.

You will perform hand calculations and FEA, support fabrication and testing, participate in design reviews, and develop specifications and qualification plans. U.S. Citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience in spaceflight hardware or MGSE.
• Experience designing non-flight integration and test hardware (lifting fixtures, handling systems, transport equipment).
• Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling tools and drafting standards.
• Experience with structural analysis: hand calculations and FEA (ANSYS/Nastran/Simcenter).
• Ability to lead technical directions and coordinate across cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to present technical data.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the mechanical design, modeling, and drafting of MGSE hardware using 3D CAD software.
• Evaluate trade studies and requirements to balance performance, schedule, cost, and safety risks.
• Perform structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA to validate safety and integrity.
• Support fabrication, proof load testing, acceptance testing, and vendor inspections.
• Support end-users during integration and test operations, including process development and on-site issue resolution.
• Develop engineering requirements, drawings, procedures, and qualification plans for ground equipment.
• Participate in Design Reviews (PDR/CDR/TRR/FRR) and present data to leadership.
• Collaborate with systems, thermal, electrical, manufacturing, reliability, and supply chain teams for seamless integration.
• Serve as a key technical contributor in mechanical ground support engineering.

Skills

Mechanical design leadership

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

NX

CATIA

ANSYS

Nastran

Simcenter

Teamcenter/Windchill

Job description

Viasat in Tempe, AZ, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer, MGSE to help design, develop, and integrate Mechanical Ground Support Equipment for next-generation satellite programs. You will lead mechanical design, conduct analyses, and coordinate with systems, thermal, electrical, and manufacturing teams.

You will perform hand calculations and FEA, support fabrication and testing, participate in design reviews, and develop specifications and qualification plans. U.S. Citizenship is required.